Indians trapped in Iraq: Punjab CM meets Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, June 19: With people from

being stranded in

, Chief Minister

on Thursday met External Affairs Minister

here and said best efforts are being made to rescue those trapped in the strife-torn country.

"I have discussed the matter with Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj. She has explained the situation to me. They are trying their best. I am grateful (to them)," Badal said.

"We are trying our best to safely rescue all our people trapped in Iraq," Badal said.

He said efforts are being made to locate the family members of those stranded in Iraq.

"We have asked all our DCs to apprise the family members about the situation...the problem is big," he said.

Badal said that members of Parliament from Punjab are also here.

Badal said efforts were being made to ensure safety of those stranded in Iraq

The family members had earlier urged the government to accelerate their efforts for bringing the stranded boys home. The anxious family members had also offered prayers in Sikh shrines for the safe return of their children.

Reports say that at least 41 boys from Punjab along with other Indian residents are stranded in Iraq. Families of these boys had approached the Indian embassy in Baghdad as well as officials in the ministry of external affairs.

PTI