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Early Times Report
Jammu, July 21: A day after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safe return of Ranjit Singh — a resident of the Union Territory — Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Niger is actively working to secure his release from kidnappers.
“Important update and follow-up on Ranjit Singh, hailing from Ramban district in Jammu and Kashmir, who has gone missing in Niger. In response to continuous follow-up by my office, the Ministry of External Affairs has shared inputs from the Indian Embassy in Niamey, Niger. The embassy is continuously on the job and making every effort to ensure Ranjit Singh’s release from the alleged kidnappers,” Dr. Singh posted on his social media platform.
Ranjit Singh, a native of Chakka Kundi village in Ramban district — which falls under Dr. Jitendra Singh’s Lok Sabha constituency — was reportedly abducted during a terror attack in Niger’s Dosso region on July 15. The attack targeted a Nigerien army unit providing security to a power infrastructure project, resulting in the deaths of two Indian nationals and the abduction of Singh.
Earlier on Sunday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had taken to social media to express his concern and appeal for urgent diplomatic intervention.
“The Chief Minister has expressed deep concern over the abduction of Ranjit Singh, a resident of Ramban, in Niger. He urges the Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar and @MEAIndia to urgently intervene to secure Ranjit’s safe and swift return,” read a post from the official handle of the J&K Chief Minister’s Office.
Meanwhile, Ranjit Singh’s family has made desperate appeals for government intervention. His wife, Sheela Devi, met the Deputy Commissioner of Ramban and sought his assistance in contacting the MEA.
“The Deputy Commissioner has assured me that my plea will be forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs. I also urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally intervene to bring my husband home safely,” she said. She also alleged that the private company that had hired her husband kept her in the dark for days after the incident.
Mohan Lal, Singh’s father, echoed the plea, saying, “He went abroad to work for a private company, and now we are completely in the dark about his condition. We urge the Prime Minister to take immediate steps to bring him back.”
“We are extremely worried. He has three small children who are also anxious. We just want our son home, safe and sound,” added Sadhu Devi, Singh’s mother.
The Indian Embassy in Niamey, Niger, has confirmed the terror attack and said it is closely coordinating with local authorities. In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy stated:
“In a heinous terror attack on 15 July in Niger’s Dosso region, two Indian nationals tragically lost their lives and one was abducted. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The Mission in Niamey is in touch with local authorities to repatriate the mortal remains and ensure the safe release of the abducted Indian. All Indians in Niger are advised to remain vigilant.”
Efforts are underway at multiple levels to ensure the swift and safe return of Ranjit Singh. |
