Thirteen migrant labourers rescued in Nuapada

Nuapada: In another incident reflecting the plight and exploitation of Odia labourers, 13 people were rescued while being trafficked illegally to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh for bonded labour. All the labourers are from Nuapada district and were rescued by Komana police after raids.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Komana police conducted raids on a mill and rescued 13 labourers including seven women and two minors.

“We have detained an agent and we have asked the district labour officials for proper verification. Appropriate action will be taken after the verification process,” said Paramananda Sunani, investigating officer.

Nuapada labour officer Gauranga Samantaray informed that they are trying to ascertain whether the agent had any licence or not and subsequently appropriate action will be taken.

The issue of labour migration has assumed serious proportions and most of the labourers are being subjected to torture and abuse outside the State. It is alleged that 18 tribal girls from Narayanpatna area of Koraput have been held captive by the owner of a brick kiln in Hyderabad.

According to sources, all the girls hail from Pipalpada panchayat and had moved to Hyderabad to work as bonded labourers at the kiln.