With 26 days having passed since the abduction of five migrant workers from Bagodar in the West African country of Niger, public anger spilled onto the streets on Tuesday as members of the CPI(ML) and AIPWA led a massive protest march in Bagodar, Jharkhand on May 20.
Addressing the gathering, former MLA and CPI(ML) Central Committee member Vinod Kumar Singh criticised the central government’s silence and inaction. He said that the workers had been abducted from their workplace at Kalpataru Transmission, an Indian company operating in Niger.
Those who have been kidnapped include, Sanjay Mahato, Faljit Mahato, Raju Mahato, Chandrika Mahato of Dondlo Panchayat under Bagodar police station area of Giridih district and Uttam Mahato of Mundro Panchayat.
“It has been 26 days, and we still do not know who the armed abductors are, what their demands may be, or where the workers are being held. The Modi government and the company have offered no formal or practical updates.” said Comrade Vinod. “Families are distressed and fearful. This silence is unacceptable.”
The protest called for direct diplomatic efforts, stating that India must not rely solely on the Nigerien authorities or the employer. The government must engage with Niger at the highest level and send an official delegation to help secure the safe return of the abducted workers.
Comrade Vinod further noted that such incidents are tragically common in North Chotanagpur’s districts like Giridih, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad. “Migrant workers are forced to seek work abroad because they cannot secure even ₹300 daily wages under MGNREGA here in Jharkhand.” he said.
He said the central government is systematically undermining public sector employment in the state. “Virtually every public sector unit—BCCL, CCL, BSL, DVC—has been handed over to private corporations, none of whom provide 75% local employment, as mandated.”
The protesters demanded that the central government initiate bilateral agreements with foreign countries to ensure that, in the event of a worker’s death, their families receive compensation, and that workers are provided with proper employment visas rather than tourist visas, which leave them without legal protection.
