NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met here the families of 40 Indians held captive in strife-torn Iraq for last six months, assuring them that, as per government’s information, the nationals were alive and all efforts were being made to secure their release.
After meeting the families for the fifth time since the Indians were taken hostage by Islamic militants ISIS in June, Swaraj said while one person has said that these Indians have been killed, government, through its six sources, has information that they were alive.
“Based on our information that they are not killed, we are making all efforts, as per our responsibility, and talking to all those countries who can help and talking to all those who can help us locate them and secure their release,” she said.
She also referred to her statement in Parliament on the issue after the news report was flashed last week. The 40 Indians were working on construction projects near the Iraqi city of Mosul.–PTI