Swaraj promises all help to Sukhbir
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 18
Worried over the fate over 40 Punjabi youths reportedly kidnapped in Iraq, the Punjab Government today said it was constantly in touch with the Centre that has promised their safe return.
Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said he has spoken to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who has assured all help. “She said the Indian Government would ensure the safety of those held hostage,” said Sukhbir.
The Union Government has issued needful directions to the Indian High Commission in Iraq, he said. Sukhbir said the youths, who were yet to be identified, have been held hostage by Islamic fundamentalists.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Wednesday rushed to Delhi and met Swaraj. Badal said his state was ready to bear all expenses for the safe return of Punjabis kidnapped in Iraq. "We are very worried. I have met Union Minister Sushma Swaraj and asked her to make all-out efforts to secure the safe release of Indians stuck in Iraq," he said.
A large number of youths from Moga, Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar and Ludhiana are believed to be working for construction companies or as drivers in Iraq. Tota Singh, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister, said he has requested the Ministry of External Affairs to use its good offices in Baghdad and other neighbouring countries to ensure the safe return of abducted youths.
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal
Control room, helplines set up
The Punjab Government has set up a control room with helpline numbers - 0172-2740397, 2740035, 2740936 (fax) - for the assistance of distraught families of youths kidnapped in Iraq. Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal has directed the Deputy Commissioners to keep in touch with family members of those abducted. Badal said the state government would bear the entire expenditure of youths' safe return.
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