In Myanmar, 20 Indian laborers have been enslaved after being promised jobs in Thailand, seeking urgent assistance from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to secure their release. Family members of the workers have jointly approached to Pradeep Chaudhary, the BJP MP from Kairana, who has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on their behalf.
Disturbing videos, purportedly filmed by one of the workers, have surfaced on social media, shedding light on these 20 Indian Laborers dire circumstances in Myanmar. In one video, a worker grimly reports the death of a fellow captive and the severe head injuries sustained by a girl. The workers, deceived by an agent based in Dubai, are now being held captive in Myanmar, where they endure daily exploitation.
Kuldeep Kumar, one of the captives, shared the videos depicting their suffering and injuries, appealing for immediate intervention from the Center. He expressed grave concerns, warning that without prompt assistance, they may be subjected to further harm or be compelled to take drastic measures to secure their freedom.
In an 83-second video plea, Kuldeep stated, “Our families have reached out to the MEA, but we have yet to receive any assistance, despite our videos circulating widely on social media. One individual has already lost their life here, and a girl is suffering from severe head injuries due to assault. Our lives are in jeopardy. Either they will kill us, or we will have to resort to desperate measures.”
Kuldeep further revealed the appalling conditions they endure, stating, “We are coerced into working 18 hours a day and provided with only two bowls of rice. Refusal to comply results in physical assault, followed by punishment, including a 10km run. We implore the MEA to intervene and rescue us.” Rahul Kumar, Kuldeep’s brother, recounted their ordeal, explaining how Kuldeep clandestinely recorded the distressing videos using a concealed phone.
Rahul disclosed, “Kuldeep embarked on his journey from Saharanpur on April 22, traveling from Delhi to Bangkok. From there, he was transported to Mae Sot airport, near the border, blindfolded, and taken to a forest in Myanmar. Subsequently, they were ensnared into slavery and compelled to engage in online fraud operations.”
Chaudhary, acknowledging the severity of the situation, swiftly wrote to Jaishankar, urging immediate action. He informed TOI, “MEA officials have indicated that they have received leads from the Indian embassy in Myanmar and are devising a rescue operation. We anticipate their swift return home.”