Two Indian workers who were abducted in South Sudan earlier in March were rescued on Thursday. They have reached Indian Embassy in Khartoum. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday announced the release of Midhun and Edward while lauding the efforts of Indian Ambassador Srikumar Menon in the rescue operation.
“I am happy to inform about the release of two Indian nationals Midhun and Edward who were abducted in South Sudan. I appreciate the efforts of Indian Ambassador in South Sudan Srikumar Menon for the release of Indian nationals,” Swaraj tweeted.
These two Indians along with a Pakistani national were working in an oil company in Sudan and were abducted by the rebel SPlM-In-Opposition in the neighbouring South Sudan, as per reports. The SPlM-IO allegedly issued two separate statements to claim the capture of Indian and Pakistani oil workers as it sought to stop oil production in the region and had warned foreigners and national oil workers to stop risking their lives in oil production areas. The Indian and Pakistani Governments had requested Sudan to mediate for release of the three workers.
In another episode, India rescued 29 workers from Saudi Arabia. These 29 migrant workers from Telangana were employed by Al-Hajry company and were held in captivity at Al-Hassa in Saudi Arabia. The Telangana Government had urged Swaraj for their early repatriation to India. Swaraj said that the Indians are being brought back on Government’s expenditure.
Meanwhile, a woman managed to get Swaraj’s attention on Twitter following a suicide threat over visa issue. The woman Jyoti S Pande wanted a visa for New Zealand where her husband is employed. Pande had applied for visa thrice which was rejected by New Zealand authorities. Similarly, another lady Richa Patel sought Swaraj’s help to locate her husband in the United States. She alleged that her husband cheated her and left for US after ten days of their marriage. Thereafter, her in-laws have beaten her up and thrown out of the house. Another woman Swati Singh tweeted Swaraj seeking help for funding to represent India in International Solar Energy Society 2017 to be held in Mexico since she cannot afford international expenses.