TN CM expresses worry over Simon's kidnap

Chennai, Dec 26: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi on Friday, Dec 26 expressed concern over the kidnapped Simon Paramanathan in Afghanistan as the deadline for 150,000 USD is nearly ending.

"The Centre is trying its best to secure the release of the 38-year-old Simon Paramanandam of Tamil Nadu who was abducted by Afghan militants in Herath province in Afghanistan two months ago," Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Vayalar Ravi said on Friday, Dec 26.

After meeting the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to brief him about the Centre's efforts in this regard, Ravi said that Indian Embassy in Kabul was negotiating with Simon's abductors through the Afghanistan government. Ravi said during his 45-minute meeting with the Chief Minister, Karunanidhi expressed his concern and worry over Simon's fate.

"The India Embassy is negotiating through the Afghan government ... the Indian Embassy is actively involved and is trying to save Simon's life," he said.

Thirty eight-year-old Simon Paramanathan, resident of Villipuram (Tamil Nadu), was kidnapped by a group calling themselves 'Mujahideen', reportedly in Oct. However, the matter came to light only recently, and there is no hint of the involvement of the Taliban in the kidnapping as yet.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)