'Deplorable act of violence': MEA urges swift action as 3 Indians abducted in Al-Qaeda linked terror strike in Mali

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday voiced concern over the kidnapping of three Indian workers from a factory in Mali’s Kayes region and urged Malian authorities to ensure their quick and safe rescue.

Condemning the incident, the government said the Indian embassy in Bamako is in constant contact with local authorities, security agencies, and the families of the abducted workers.

In its statement, the MEA described the act as “deplorable” and reaffirmed India’s strong stand against violence targeting its citizens abroad.

“The Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory,” the statement said.

“The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of Mali to take all necessary measures for the safe and swift release of the abducted Indian nationals. Senior officials are monitoring the situation closely and remain engaged to facilitate their early release,” it added.

The three Indians were kidnapped on July 1 during an armed attack at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes.

The attack was part of a series of assaults on Tuesday targeting Diboli near Mali’s border with Senegal, as well as the nearby towns of Kayes and Sandere. Other attacks were reported in Nioro du Sahel and Gogoui, northwest of Bamako near Mauritania’s border, and in Molodo and Niono in central Mali, according to Mali’s armed forces cited by Reuters.

The al-Qaeda-linked group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for coordinated attacks on several Malian army positions in the country’s west and central regions, AP reported.