Families on Edge as Safety Concerns Rise for Indians Abducted in Recent Kidnapping
A week after the abduction of three Indian nationals in Mali, their families remain in the dark about their safety and whereabouts. The men, who were employed at a cement factory, were reportedly taken by armed assailants last Tuesday. India’s foreign ministry has confirmed the incident, while the Mali government has yet to issue a statement. The abductions coincide with a surge in violence attributed to an al-Qaeda-linked group in the region, raising concerns for the safety of Indian citizens living in Mali.
Details of the Abduction
The three men were kidnapped from the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes city, where they worked for the Prasaditya Group, an Indian business conglomerate. According to reports, the abduction occurred on the same day that jihadist fighters launched multiple attacks on military posts across Mali. Eyewitnesses in Kayes described a chaotic scene, with gunfire echoing throughout the area during the attacks. The Indian government has stated that it is in contact with both the Malian authorities and the families of the abducted men, but many relatives report having little information about their loved ones.
The Indian foreign ministry has urged citizens in Mali to exercise caution and maintain close communication with the Indian embassy in Bamako. Approximately 400 Indians reside in Mali, a country with which India has maintained trade relations since the 1990s. The situation has sparked anxiety among families of Indians living in the region, particularly in light of a similar incident in Niger earlier this year, where five Indian citizens were kidnapped.
Family Concerns and Government Response
Families of the abducted men are expressing deep concern for their safety. Panad Venkatramana’s mother, Narsamma, shared her distress, revealing that she last spoke to her son on June 30, just before he went to work. Three days later, she received a call from the company, but the message was unclear. It was only later that she learned of her son’s kidnapping through news reports. Venkatramana’s family has filed a complaint with local police in Odisha, seeking assistance in locating him.
Support has also emerged from political figures, including former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who has called on India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to intervene personally in the case. Meanwhile, the families of Amaralingaeswara Rao, another abducted man, are anxiously awaiting news. Rao’s father, Koorakula Venkateswarlu, explained that his son moved to Mali eight years ago in search of better pay to support his family. Rao had planned to return to India in October, but now the family is uncertain about when they will see him again.
The Context of Violence in Mali
Mali has been grappling with a violent insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State since 2012. This conflict has spread to neighboring countries, including Niger and Burkina Faso, leading to a significant rise in terrorism-related incidents. The Global Terrorism Index recently labeled the Sahel region as the “epicenter of global terrorism,” accounting for over half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide.
The recent abductions highlight the ongoing security challenges in Mali, particularly for foreign nationals. The Indian government has been proactive in urging its citizens to remain vigilant and to stay informed about the local security situation. As the families of the abducted men await updates, the situation underscores the precarious nature of living and working in regions affected by violent extremism.
International and Local Reactions
The abductions have triggered widespread panic among the Indian community in Mali and raised alarms among their families back home. As the situation develops, the Indian government continues to coordinate with local authorities and the cement factory involved. However, the lack of information has left many families feeling helpless and anxious.
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader implications of security in Mali, where foreign workers face increasing risks. The Indian embassy in Mali has been urged to provide support and assistance to the families of the abducted men. As the search for the three men continues, their families remain hopeful for a safe resolution to this distressing situation.
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