Hopes revived: Abducted youths' kin

AMRITSAR: The victory of Iraqi forces over the Islamic State (IS) bringing an end to a nine-month battle in Mosul has rekindled hopes about the safe return of 39 Indian youths who were abducted by the IS in June 2014.

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh bolstered their hopes by tweeting on Monday , “Spoke to Sushma Swaraj on Indians stuck in Mosul, she said, General VK Singh, Indian Embassy and Air India have been asked to facilitate return.“

Talking to TOI on Monday , Gurpinder Kaur, sister of one of the abducted Indian youths Manjinder Singh, said, “This was the most-awaited message from our government after the victory of Iraqi forces in Mosul. At least they are concerned about the youth and are trying to save them.“

A group of 40 Indian youths, mostly Punjabis, who worked in a construction company in Mosul were reportedly kidnapped by the IS on June 11, 2014. One of the abducted Harjit Masih claimed that he dodged the IS militants and fled from their captivity.

A resident of Babowal village, Harbhajan Kaur, whose son Harsimranjit Singh was also abducted, said, "I know Iraq has wrested Mosul back from IS, and immediately our CM tweeted that Sushma ji has assigned Union minister of state for external affairs V K Singh to ensure their safe return from Iraq."

Malkit Ram, whose brother Nand Lal and nephew Sandeep Kumar are among the Indians abducted by IS, said he had heard about the victory of Iraqi forces in Mosul and also Amarinder's tweet. Malkit said he was hopeful that all the 39 Indians would be traced in Mosul.

However, Parwinder Singh, whose two relatives are in Mosul, is not much hopeful of their safety. "The government has not shown us any proof of their well-being. How can I trust now?" said Parwinder who had worked in Mosul and is currently working in Abu Dhabi.