Kidnapped Indians have been located in Iraq

The Foreign Ministry has informed the reporters today that the Iraqi authorities have identified the location of 40 kidnapped Indian workers but could not reveal it to media due to the safety and sensitivity of the case. 40 Indians have been kidnapped in Mosul in Iraq on Tuesday by suspected brutal militant group ISIS.

“The Iraqi foreign ministry has told us they have been able to determine where the Indians are held captive,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday.

“Our embassy in Baghdad is following up with Iraqi Ministry. There are several meetings that are planned between Indian Ministry and Iraqi Embassy. We do have an understanding of the location but I will not be able to tell the location as of now,” he said.

“We are getting many calls. Many families have contacted us for this. Documentation help is the main priority for us. Communication in Baghdad is easily available. The difficulties are being faced only in particular areas,” he further added.

Although the Indian government could not confirm whether these workers are being kidnapped by the Sunni group ISIS which has been fighting against the Shia-dominated government in Baghdad.

When asked about the safety of these Indians, Akbaruddin said, “There is no safety in captivity. Safety is in places where people are welcome. As regards their location, we have an understanding but given that the matter is underway, we won’t be able to share the location or what the Iraqis have shared.”
 
Most of the captive Indians are from Punjab and worked for a construction company named Tariq Noor al-Huda.

So far no group has claimed the responsibility, or any ransom demand put place.

India has sent former ambassador to Iraq Suresh Reddy to Mosul to monitor the situation and ensure the actions.

External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj said, “We are doing everything a government should. I am personally supervising the efforts. We will leave no stone unturned in keeping our countrymen safe.”

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