New Delhi:
The government has expressed its seriousness to the plight of 1,200 Indian workers majority of them from Andhra Pradesh, stranded in Angola and has assured all necessary help for their return.
"The government is taking steps for their return," Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said in the Rajya Sabha.
He was replying to the concerns of members during Zero Hour that 1,200 Indians working with a cement factory in Angola were stranded in the South African nation after protesting against management for non-payment of dues.
He said that the government will take action as soon as report comes from the Embassy adding that, the government under such circumstances had earlier also brought Indians back from two-three countries in Africa even by paying money from the government account.
Earlier, raising the issue Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala (BJP) said that 1200 Indians at Angola in South Africa were held hostage as these workers with a cement factory near Sumbe city were on strike for a month demanding their due wages.
"Their passports have been seized...they are wandering in forest without any food and battling for their life...their family members are crying ...media is reporting the matter for 15 days but the government is silent on this sensitive matter," he said demanding a statement from Minister.
On Monday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy had requested the Centre to take steps for the protection of people belonging to Andhra Pradesh in Angola in West Africa.
Reddy wrote a letter in this regard to External Affairs Minister S M Krishna.
He also directed state Chief Secretary Pankaj Dwivedi to continuously keep in touch with officials of the Ministry in this regard, a press release from the Chief Ministre's Office said.