Kin of Bengal workers abducted in Iraq seek help

Kolkata, June 20 (IANS) Staring at an uncertain future, the families of two West Bengal labourers, said to among the 40 construction workers abducted in strife-torn Iraq, Friday approached the administration for their release.

Khokan Sikdar and Samar Tikadar, hailing from Nadia district, have called up their families to apprise them about the hardships after being abducted along with other fellow workers by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militants in Mosul town of northern Iraq.

"I last talked to him Sunday (June 14). He was very anxious and afraid that if he will never be released. I don't know why they have been kidnapped. I just want my husband to come back safely," Sikdar's wife Namita said.

"I feel his condition is not good. He says the abductors want to get in touch with the company who employed them, but the company officials are scared and are yet to get in touch with them," added Namita Sikdar.

Tikadar's wife Dipali too has claimed that her husband called up a few days back and said he was uncertain about his release.

The families of both the workers Friday approached the district administration seeking the release of their husbands.

"We are constantly in touch with the union home ministry and the ministry of external affairs. We have assured the families of both Sikdar and Tikadar of doing whatever we can to secure their release," Nadia District Magistrate P.B. Salim said.