Over 100 bonded labourers rescued in J&K's Kathua

Over 100 persons, including women and 45 children, allegedly working as bonded labourers at a brick kiln, were rescued in the state's Kathua district.
The district administration rescued 111 labourers from the brick kiln being operated at Bandore village in the district last evening, officials said today.
A complaint was filed by NGO 'International Justice Mission', following which a police team under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner with Police was sent to investigate, Deputy Commissioner (Kathua) Jatindra Singh said.
"We are investigating the matter. After getting all details, action will be taken under law," he said.
A special committee to check such a crime in Kathua has been formed in the wake of this incident, he added.

The labourers, mostly from Chhattisgarh, were not given required wages, medicare, education and other rights, the NGO's Liaison Officer Rajesh Kumar claimed.
They were not allowed to leave the brick kiln and were also physically and mentally assaulted, he alleged.