Trapped No More: Jharkhand Workers to Return from Cameroon

Five migrant workers from Jharkhand, stranded in Cameroon due to unpaid salaries, will return to India. A social activist's intervention facilitated the Indian Embassy's involvement, leading to salary clearance and flight arrangements. The workers faced hardships but are set for a homecoming thanks to government efforts.

Five migrant workers from Jharkhand, left stranded in Cameroon over salary disputes, will return home on Tuesday, officials confirm.

Shikha Lakra, team leader at the State Migrant Control Room, revealed that the situation was brought to light by social activist Sikander Ali. Coordination with the Indian Embassy and completion of formalities have ensured the workers' flights are booked.

"We contacted the Indian Embassy, shared relevant documents, and facilitated communication to clear the workers' five months of unpaid salaries. Flight bookings for their return to Mumbai were secured on Monday," Lakra stated.

The workers financed their railway return from Mumbai. They expressed their ordeal via a video to Ali, leading to the Labour department's involvement. Employed by a Mumbai-based company for work in Cameroon, the workers faced severe financial distress.

Acknowledging the government's role, Ali said, "The workers and their families endured sleepless nights but are now hopeful as the government helped bring them back." The five workers include Sunil Mahato, Sukar Mahato, Chandrashekhar Kumar, and Dilon Mahato from Hazaribagh, and Dilchand Mahato from Giridih.

(With inputs from agencies.)