The government today confirmed that 40 Indian workers have been kidnapped in violence-hit Iraq city of Mosul. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi this evening, External Affairs Ministry Spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said, the wherabouts of the kidnapped Indian workers, are not known so far. They were engaged by Tariq Noor Al-huda construction company. Most of the workers are from Punjab.
On a query, the Spokesman said, the Indian Mission in Iraq has not received any call of any nature from anyone indicating about ransom. He said, New Delhi is ready to work with any organisation or individual who is willing to assist in this difficult situation. Akbaruddin said, India is in touch with humanitarian agencies and Iraqi government over the kidnapping. He assured that India will leave no stone unturned in saving its nationals.
On 46 Indian Nurses who are stranded in Tikrit, the spokesman said that humanitarian agency International Red Crescent had contacted them and conveyed that it is not appropriate to take a surface route to move.
Replying to a question, Akbaruddin clarified that India does not want to shut down its Embassy in Iraq and it is intended to increase its effectiveness. He said that former envoy to Iraq Suresh Reddy is being sent to Bhagdad to strengthen the Indian Mission there.
Earlier, the Spokesman said, former envoy to Iraq Suresh Reddy is being sent to Bhagdad to assist the embassy in its efforts. Reddy, a seasoned career diplomat has served as India’s Ambassador in Baghdad for over two years.
Meanwhile, the government has set up a round-the-clock control room to provide information to families of those Indians who were stranded in Iraq. The Ministry said, that the government is monitoring the situation on an hourly basis and is in touch with Iraqi government.
The phone numbers of the control room are +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 7905, +91 11 2301 4104 and its email address is controlroom@mea.gov.in.
The Indian Embassy in Baghdad has already set up a 24- hour helpline to offer assistance to Indian nationals there.
There are around 20,000 Indian nationals in Iraq.
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister, Jathedar Tota Singh has appealed to the Centre o take all possible measures to bring back safely the kidnapped Indian workers, most of them from Punjab. The Minister has requested the Ministry of External Affairs to use its good office with Baghdad and other neighbouring countries in that region to secure the safe passage and exit of Punjabis from Iraq.
Meanwhile, NRI Sabha Punjab has started a Telephone Helpline-0181-5057373 for those whose relatives are in Iraq. Sabha President Jasbir Singh Gill has told AIR Correspondent that two of the families have contacted him from Jalandhar. He has given his own mobile number-0-98154-60458 also for those who want to contact him directly. He said all possible help will be extended to the families of those stranded in Iraq. Three families are in Amritsar.
