Odisha Government Appeals to Centre for Immediate Rescue of Six Workers Held Captive in Thailand
The Odisha government has taken urgent action by writing to the central government on Thursday, requesting immediate intervention to secure the safe return of six workers from Kendrapada district who are currently stranded and held captive in Thailand. This distressing situation came to light after a detailed report highlighted the plight of these labourers, with five hailing from Kendrapara and one from Bhadrak district.
Details of the Captivity and Government Response
In an official letter to the ministry, Assistant Labour Commissioner M M Paik revealed that the six labourers travelled to Thailand approximately six months ago through two labour agents based in Uttar Pradesh, identified as Omprakash and Jayprakash. They were initially employed at a plywood industry located in Wat Nong Phai Kaeo. However, the situation quickly deteriorated as all six men were subsequently held captive within the plywood factory premises.
Through a video message, the stranded workers have made serious allegations of being subjected to both physical and mental torture by their employer. They further reported that they have not received their salaries for the past three months, compounding their dire circumstances.
Upon learning about their critical condition, the district administration promptly informed the Assistant Labour Commissioner in Bhubaneswar and provided comprehensive documentation, including copies of their passports, to facilitate swift and urgent action. Subsequently, Odisha's Principal Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, Vishal Gagan, wrote to the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, formally seeking their rescue and safe repatriation.
Political Concern and Family Distress
Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has expressed deep concern over the situation. In a post on social media platform X, he stated: "Deeply concerned to know that six people from Odisha are being ill-treated by their employer in Thailand and are in deep distress. Urge the Indian Government, Ministry of External Affairs and Chief Minister Office to intervene into the matter with urgency and coordinate with the officials of Thailand for their early rescue."
The families of the stranded workers are enduring immense emotional turmoil, with many reporting sleepless nights since discovering the workers' ordeal. Minati, wife of one of the captive workers, 34-year-old Yasobant Sahoo, shared her anguish: "My husband's desperate appeal in the video leaves my heart stricken with fear. We are praying for his safety." She was speaking from their home in Kujipur village under Jayanagar panchayat, surrounded by her three children and mother-in-law.
Another distressed family member from Upalei village under Baradia panchayat added: "My husband, Prasant Rout (33), is struggling to return as the company seized his passport. We are all worried. The government should immediately arrange air tickets and other help for their safe return."
Broader Context of Labour Migration and Exploitation
Trade union leader Jagajiban Das provided crucial context, explaining that high unemployment rates have compelled many youths from coastal districts like Kendrapada to seek employment opportunities abroad. They often take up roles as plumbers, mechanics, drivers, and other manual jobs in foreign countries. Das noted that each year, at least 2,000 youths from the district migrate to West Asia and South Asian countries, with many encountering significant problems from employers and labour agents.
This incident underscores a persistent pattern of vulnerability and exploitation faced by Indian migrant workers overseas. The Odisha government's proactive steps, including the earlier communication from the Principal Resident Commissioner to the Ministry on Wednesday, highlight the escalating efforts to address this humanitarian crisis.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the coordinated response between Indian and Thai authorities to ensure the swift and safe return of these six workers to their families in Odisha.
