Govt not given time to act: Ravi

Kochi, May 1 (UNI) Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi today said the government was not given enough time by the Taliban to act and secure the release of slain communications engineer K Suryanarayana in Afghanistan.

Expressing deep shock over the ''act of terror'', the Minister said the government had initiated all steps to secure his release, but he was murdered even before the specially deputed Indian team could reach Afghanistan.

Talking to newspersons at the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery near here, the Minister said warning had been given to all those Indians working in Afghanistan against moving out alone.

Condemning the incident, he asked all parties to stand together instead of raking up controversies even as people across the country and outside deplored the act in one voice.

Mr Ravi said he was in touch with the Andhra Pradesh Government to ensure all relief was provided to the bereaved family of Suryanarayana who was beheaded by the Taliban extremists.

Reacting to the reports that the family of Raman Kutty Maniappan, who was also killed by Taliban in a similar manner in November last, did not get the announced relief, the Minister said he would take steps if it was brought to his attention by the bereaved family.

UNI JA GM YA PC1742