Shortly after the video of abducted Indian priest, Father Tom Uzhunnalilin, surfaced on social media in which he was pleading for his release, the Indian Government on Monday said that it is making all efforts for his freedom.
“You are aware of the circumstances currently prevailing in Yemen where fighting is going on with no central authority in that country. With regard to the safe release of Father Tom who was abducted some months ago, we have been in regular touch with countries in the region, especially Saudi Arabia as also the local Yemeni authorities. Efforts continue in this regard,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said on Monday.
Uzhunnalilin was abducted in March by a faction of ISIS from an old-age home run by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in southern Yemeni city of Aden. Initially there were rumours about his beheading which the Indian Government refuted strongly saying the priest was alive. In the latest video, a frail-looking Uzhunnalilin made appeals to the Indian Government and Pope Francis to secure his release from the captors.
“If I was a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I am from India. I am perhaps not considered as of much value,” said Uzhunnalilin. “Dear Pope Francis, dear Holy Father, as a father please take care of my life. I am very much depressed. My health is deteriorating,” he said in the video, a day after Christmas. Father Uzhunnalil appeared to be reading out from a text placed before him.
Uzhunnalil claimed his captors have made several contacts with the Indian Government but got no response. “I am very sad that nothing has been done seriously in my regard,” he said. He added reports had said everything has been done to get his release, “but in reality nothing” has been done. It appeared that his captors are seeking ransom for his release. The Government of India has “no bargaining” policy with terrorists, hijackers, sea pirates and it does not pay ransoms.
Uzhunnalil pointed out that a journalist abducted in the Middle East was released as she was from France. “I am from India and not considered. Dear people, I pray you all, ask you all, beg you all to do your might to help me to save my life. I need hospitalisation soon. Please come to my help quickly,” he said.