Indian navy snubs citizens, sailors return home with Pak aid

New Delhi, Jun 17: The six Indian sailors, who were freed by the Somali pirates, returned home on Friday, Jun 17. But their ecstasy of happiness over returning home after 11 months might have been divulged by the Indian government and navy.

The sailors, who were captured on board of the MV Suez, have been released by the pirates after a Pakistani human rights activist, Ansar Burney paid huge ransom - 2 million dollar. Pakistan Navy's warship Babur also escorted MV Suez to reach Salalah port in Oman, from where the sailors will board a flight home.

After the initiatives by Pakistani side, Indian navy on Jun 16 sent its warship INS Godavari, but surprisingly pulled out the warship shortly claiming that the Suez refused contact.

However, speaking to a TV channel, one of the released sailors, Ravinder Singh on Jun 16 informed, "We are moving towards Oman and are still mid sea. We will take about 34 hours to reach Salalah. INS Godavari is not with us. We haven't even seen the ship yet. It has not called us. PNS Babur has been escorting us since Wednesday night. Naval commandos are accompanying us as well. They provided us with medical assistance, food supplies and water. They will be staying with us till we reach the next port."

Indian navy's decision surprised and disappointed many, especially the sailors and their family members. Pakistan and India were supposed to raise $500,000 and $60,000 respectively, whereas the Egyptian shipping company was said to give $1million. Despite of setting a deadline, India had failed to fulfill its promise.

OneIndia News