Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu today said that the government is in touch with the Indian High Commission in Australia over the Sydney incident in which some people have been made hostage. He said Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj is keeping a close watch on the development. He said he does not want to discuss further on the issue as there is some information available that an Indian IT professional is also there. However, later, Mr. Naidu said that the exact information about of any Indian being held hostage is not known.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Syed Akbaruddin said, Deputy Consul General Dr Viond Bahade can be contacted at phone 0061 481 453550 in case of queries about Indian nationals. He said, India's Deputy High Commissioner in Canberra Surinder Datta can also be contacted for information at 0061 419687008. He said that as a preventive measure they have evacuated staff from the consulate in Sydney. Mr Akbaruddin also said that standard procedures followed in such situations are in place.
Meanwhile, the standoff between a gunman and police at a Cafe in Central Sydney in Australia continues even as five people have been seen running out from the building. It is unclear whether the hostages had been released by the gunman or had escaped. It is also not clear how many remain inside. Deputy Commissioner of New Southwales Police Catherine Burn confirmed that police are in contact with the gunman. Police confirmed they are monitoring Facebook and Twitter after reports that hostages are tweeting from inside.
Police negotiators described the gunman as a man in his late 40s to 50s. Reports suggest the armed offender has demanded to speak to Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Mr. Abbott has described the incident as deeply concerning.
Prime Minister Narender Modi has expressed deep concern over Sydney cafe siege incident in Australia, saying that it is an act of inhumanity which is deeply unfortunate. In an official release, Mr. Modi described the incident as disturbing.
The Australian National Imams Council has condemned the siege at a Sydney cafe, describing it as a criminal act. The joint statement with the Grand Mufti of Australia said such actions are denounced in Islam. The Grand Mufti and the Council pledged their full support and solidarity with the victims and their families and aspire to a peaceful resolve to the calamity.
