Families of Hyderabad youths are desperately seeking help after their loved ones were allegedly lured to the Myanmar-Thailand border region under false pretenses of employment, only to find themselves "enslaved" in harsh conditions. At least 16 Indian nationals, including three from Hyderabad, are reportedly trapped.

What We Know:

• Distress Message: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has brought the issue to the attention of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate intervention. Owaisi stated he received a "distressing message" regarding the plight of these Indian nationals.
• Victims' Ordeal: The individuals were promised jobs in Thailand but were instead taken to the Myanmar-Thailand border and forced into slave-like conditions. They are allegedly forced to work 18-20 hours daily and face physical punishment. Their passports and phones have been confiscated, and they are being denied medical facilities.
• Hyderabad Connection: Among the trapped individuals, three are from Hyderabad. Mir Sajjad Ali, a resident of Osman Nagar, Hyderabad, is among those incarcerated at the border. Two others with him are reportedly from Maula Ali and Banjara Hills in Hyderabad.
• Modus Operandi: The victims were allegedly deceived by agents who promised legitimate employment opportunities in Thailand. Instead, they were trafficked into an illegal operation near the border region, an area known for cybercrime rackets and forced labor camps. It has been reported that agents contact victims through social media platforms, offering high-paying jobs in Thailand and other East Asian countries. Agents arrange passports and flight tickets for victims and send them to Thailand on tourist visas. Upon arrival, they are transported to the Myanmar border and made to cross a river in small boats.
• Previous Instances: This is not an isolated incident. In February 2025, reports emerged of approximately 150 Indians, including some from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, trapped in a cybercrime den in Myanmar near the Thailand border. They were allegedly coerced into working as online scammers by Chinese gangs. In April 2025, more than 60 Indians were rescued from similar "cyber slavery" in Myanmar.

The Appeal for Help:

Families are in distress, fearing for the safety and well-being of their loved ones. They are appealing to the Indian government to take swift action to rescue these individuals from the forced labor camps. Owaisi has urged Jaishankar to intervene urgently to ensure the rescue of all the Indian citizens. The Ministry of External Affairs has been notified of the situation.

Concerns and Challenges:

The Myanmar-Thailand border region is a complex area, with the presence of armed rebel groups and a prevalence of illegal activities. This poses significant challenges to any rescue operation. The involvement of cybercrime rackets further complicates the situation, as these operations are often well-guarded and difficult to infiltrate.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of individuals lured by false job promises and the need for greater awareness and stricter regulations to prevent such trafficking and exploitation.