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Five Tamil Nadu Workers Abducted in Mali; Families Await Rescue
New Delhi – The Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board has urgently appealed to the Central Government to intervene and secure the release of five Tamil Nadu men abducted in Mali, West Africa. The victims—V. Chidambaram, R. Gnanasekharan, A. Abdullah, T. Murugan, and S. Ashok Kumar—were working for a private firm when an armed group kidnapped them in early September.
Welfare Board Calls for Diplomatic Action
Karthikeya Sivasenapathy, Chairman of the Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Board, has formally requested the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to expedite efforts for their safe return.
“We urge the Centre to leverage diplomatic ties, engage with Mali authorities, and ensure their swift release. Every delay intensifies the families’ suffering,” Sivasenapathy stated.
Tamil Nadu Govt Backs Rescue Efforts
The appeal follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s earlier letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate intervention. The joint push highlights the crisis’s severity.
Mali’s Security Crisis & Risks for Indian Workers
Mali and the Sahel region face instability due to militant insurgencies, making foreign workers vulnerable. This case underscores the need for stronger safety measures for Indians employed in high-risk zones.
Families in Anguish; Awaits Government Action
The abducted men’s families in Tiruchirappalli remain in distress, relying on government updates. The MEA’s response is now critical to ending the ordeal.
As pressure mounts, India’s diplomatic efforts will determine whether these workers return safely.
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