The disappearance of three Indian men in Mali has left their families in distress, with concerns mounting over their safety and the lack of information regarding their whereabouts. The group was reportedly snatched by armed assailants from a cement factory where they were employed last Tuesday. The Indian foreign ministry confirmed that these individuals were forcibly abducted, triggering a wave of anxiety amongst the Indian community in Mali.
Despite the ongoing political and security crisis in the region, where about 400 Indians reside, the Mali government has yet to address the issue publicly. The kidnapping coincides with a surge in violence linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), which has been involved in a series of military attacks across Mali.
India has maintained trade relations with Mali since the 1990s, but the rising threat from insurgent groups has put their nationals at risk. Mothers and relatives of the abducted men have expressed their helplessness as communication from their loved ones has ceased since the time of the kidnapping. Efforts to solicit help from the Indian government have intensified, with families calling for immediate action for the safe return of the abducted individuals.
Panic has spread among relatives as the Indian government continues to advise its citizens in Mali to remain vigilant and maintain contact with the embassy. There is growing concern as no new information has surfaced regarding the men abducted from the Diamond Cement Factory operated by the Indian conglomerate Prasaditya Group.
Amidst desperate times, families are holding onto hopes of their men's return. Complaints have been lodged with local authorities, while some have rallied support from political figures, urging intervention in a situation that many believe is spiraling out of control as violence escalates in the Sahel region, labeled the "epicenter of global terrorism."
Despite the ongoing political and security crisis in the region, where about 400 Indians reside, the Mali government has yet to address the issue publicly. The kidnapping coincides with a surge in violence linked to the al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), which has been involved in a series of military attacks across Mali.
India has maintained trade relations with Mali since the 1990s, but the rising threat from insurgent groups has put their nationals at risk. Mothers and relatives of the abducted men have expressed their helplessness as communication from their loved ones has ceased since the time of the kidnapping. Efforts to solicit help from the Indian government have intensified, with families calling for immediate action for the safe return of the abducted individuals.
Panic has spread among relatives as the Indian government continues to advise its citizens in Mali to remain vigilant and maintain contact with the embassy. There is growing concern as no new information has surfaced regarding the men abducted from the Diamond Cement Factory operated by the Indian conglomerate Prasaditya Group.
Amidst desperate times, families are holding onto hopes of their men's return. Complaints have been lodged with local authorities, while some have rallied support from political figures, urging intervention in a situation that many believe is spiraling out of control as violence escalates in the Sahel region, labeled the "epicenter of global terrorism."
