Abducted Indian priest safe in Yemen, says Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, Apr 3: An Indian priest who was abducted by militants in Aden, Syria is safe, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said.

Swaraj informed The Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) that Father Tom Uzhunnallil was safe and that all efforts were being made to secure his release.

"Sushma Swaraj has categorically assured the delegation that Fr Tom Uzhunnallil is safe and that the government is adopting all possible means for the quick and safe release of Father Tom," said a CBCI statement.

However the minister did not reveal any further details.

CBCI also said that rumours about Uzhunnallil being crucified were false. Earlier there were several reports indicating that Uzhunnallil was crucified on Good Friday by ISIS militants. However there was no official confirmation by Yemeni officials or Indian authorities.

Militants attacked the Missionaries of Charity's home for the aged in Aden on March 4 where an Indian nurse was killed.

16 people were killed in the attack when terrorists stormed the old age home and sprayed bullets at the residents.

The militants, believed to be affiliated to ISIS abducted Uzhunnallil on that day and whereabouts of him are unknown since then.

OneIndia News