An Indian woman working for an international NGO was kidnapped by suspected militants in Kabul on Thursday evening. The Indian Government with the help of Afghanistan authorities was trying to secure her release.
The woman, identified as Judith D’Souza, 40, a resident of Kolkata and working for Aga Khan Foundation as a senior technical advisor, was abducted right outside her office from Taimani area in the heart of Kabul along with two other persons. She was scheduled to return to India next week.
Taking note of the incident, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the Government was doing everything to rescue her. “Our embassy is in touch with senior Afghan authorities and the Government is also in touch with her family in Kolkata. All efforts are being made by the Afghan authorities to secure her early release,” officials said.
Judith’s father D D’Souza said in Kolkata the family received information that three persons — her daughter, a security guard and the driver of the vehicle — were abducted. “ Sushma rang up and spoke to me and assured that the Government is making all-out efforts to bring her back,” Judith’s sister Agnes D’Souza said.
Reponding to a tweet by one of the family members of Judith, Sushma said, “She is your sister and India’s daughter. We are doing everything to rescue her. Please take care of your sick father.”
Agnes said the family received information about the abduction in the early hours of Friday from the Indian Embassy in Kabul . “We are now awaiting. We hope that the Government does something and gets my sister back,” she said, adding the Afghanistan Government should also take steps to trace her.
She also said Judith was scheduled to return home next Wednesday and had rung up two days ago and did not express any apprehension. Judith’s sister said the family had asked her not to go to Kabul but she did not listen.
Chief Executive of Aga Khan Trust for Culture, India, Ratish Nanda said in a statement in New Delhi every effort is being made to secure her safe release. He said an investigation by the authorities has been launched, in conjunction with security officials and various partners.
The Aga Khan Foundation is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network and has been working on restoration projects in the war-ravaged country. “It will continue to work with local communities, the Government of Afghanistan and those in need to enhance the development of the country,” said Nanda.