Front doors, back doors and trap doors. The Indian government is knocking all doors to secure the release of forty Indians kidnapped in Iraq, a top priority for the new government in India. The rescue plan and strategies were intensively discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi June 20. Home Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh, heads of intelligence and security agencies as well as senior officials of External Affairs Ministry participated in the meeting.
The Modi government has made it clear that it does not want to leave any stone unturned to ensure the freedom of 40 Indian hostages. Amid desperation and gloom, there was, however, a piece of good news. Of over 120 Indians stranded in the conflict zone in Iraq, sixteen have been successfully evacuated. Syed Akbaruddin, Ministry of External Affair spokesperson, also confirmed reports that one Indian national had managed to escape abductors in Mosul, a town under the control of the militants. He was in touch with the Indian embassy in Iraq.
Of the 16 rescued Indians, eight were evacuated from Baiji while the others were moved out from Anbar. The fate of 40 Indians abducted in Mosul, however, is still precariously poised. While the spokesperson confirmed that the 40 Indians were safe, their location was not disclosed. The government of India, he said, was negotiating at various levels and through different channels to ensure the safety of Indian nationals. He added, “We are knocking on all doors, front doors, back doors and trapped doors.”
The safety of Indian nationals in India was a “matter of high priority not just for the Ministry of External Affairs, but also for the government of India” said Syed Akbaruddin.
The government of India continues to be in constant contact with Iraqi officials over the safety of Indians in Iraq. Special visas arrangements and documentation will be provided to any Indian wanting to leave, regardless of the legality of their immigration status, said the spokesperson.
Northern Iraq has witnessed a surge of violence in the last 10 days. Sunni militants, led by the jihadist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), are locked into a fierce battle for power against the Iraqi government.
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