In a remarkable display of leadership, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has issued a directive to the state administration to ensure the safe and swift return of 35 Odia workers who have reportedly been held captive in Laos.
In a press release from the Chief Minister’s office, it was stated, “In accordance with the Chief Minister’s instructions, the Labor Commissioner has promptly taken up the matter with the Indian Embassy in Laos. The Embassy authorities have assured us that they are in close contact with the affected laborers and are committed to taking all necessary measures for their secure repatriation to India.”
These workers, hailing from Kendrapara district, have found themselves in a distressing situation, allegedly held against their will at a plywood factory in Attapeu province within the southeastern Asian nation.
This proactive stance by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik underscores his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Odia workers, even when they face adversity on foreign soil. It serves as a testament to his dedication to the well-being of the state’s citizens and his resolve to ensure their safe return.
As we await further updates on this critical matter, the people of Odisha and the nation at large applaud the Chief Minister’s heroic efforts in ensuring that these 35 Odia workers find their way back home, unharmed and with their dignity intact. This noble gesture exemplifies the true spirit of leadership and compassion, setting an inspiring example for us all.