Shadow of Chinese hostage killings in Sudan over Indians

Dubai, Oct 28 (UNI) The execution of five Chinese oil workers kidnapped by Darfur rebels in Sudan has cast a shadow over the safety of hundreds of Indians working in oil installations in Sudan where Indian public sector company ONGC Videsh Ltd has a stake.

The Sudanese foreign ministry spokesman said in Khartum yesterday that five hostages were killed while two managed to escape with injuries.

The kidnappers did not demand ransom but instead wanted the Chinese to pull out, citing ties Beijing had with the government in Khartoum.

Indians working in oil fields in Nigeria, who were contracted from the UAE, were earlier kidnapped by rebels but so far Sudanese rebels have not turned against Indians.

Sudan produces about 5,00,000 bpd of crude and China, along with India, is major investor in the sector. The crude from Sudan feeds Mangalore oil refinery in India.

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