Dubai police foil Indian worker's suicide attempt

Dubai, Jan 11: The dramatic episode of an Indian climbing up a 30-metre electric pole last night to commit suicide was wrapped up as he was convinced to get down after intense negotiations today.

Morugesh, the 40 year-old worker, had climbed up the pole and made wild demands. ''He wanted a plot of land to build a factory. Then he said he was homesick and wanted to get married,'' the Gulf news quoted police as saying. Early today, he asked to meet his friend, who rushed to the site and was hauled up the firefighter ladder to talk to him.

The high wire drama finally ended about 12.45 pm, after discussions.

Lack of higher education for children, job insecurity, low wages, long periods of separation from families, poor working conditions and lack of medical insurance has led to increasing incidences of suicide attempts among Indian workers in Dubai.

Indian missions have been urged to start counselling centers in labour camps for the benefit of the workers.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs had announced a 24x7 helpline for Indians working abroad - to be set up at 13 missions in the Gulf, Singapore, Malaysia and south-east Asian countries.

Smart cards, containing all information regarding employment and insurance would be introduced for all future emigrants.

There are more than 3.6 million Indian migrant workers in Gulf.

UNI