Indian woman kidnapped in Kabul, efforts on to secure release

An Indian woman working for an international NGO has been kidnapped by suspected militants right outside her office in the heart of Kabul and efforts were being made to secure her release.

The woman, identified as Judith D'Souza, a resident of Kolkata, was abducted from Taimani area along with two other persons on Thursday evening.

Judith is working for Aga Khan Foundation as senior technical adviser and was scheduled to return to India next week.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said government was doing everything to rescue her.

"Our embassy is in touch with senior Afghan authorities and the government is also in touch with her family in Kolkata. All efforts are being made by the Afghan authorities to secure her early release," an official source said.

The woman's father D D'Souza said in Kolkata that the family received information that three persons -- Judith, a security guard and the driver of the vehicle, were abducted.

"I want my daughter back," said a sobbing D'Souza.

"External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj rang up and spoke to me and assured that the government is making all-out efforts to bring her back," Judith's sister Agnes D'Souza told PTI.

Responding to a tweet by one of the family members of Judith, Swaraj said, "She is your sister and India's daughter. We are doing everything to rescue her."

A source said the woman was abducted by suspected militants.

Chief Executive of Aga Khan Trust for Culture, India, Ratish Nanda said every effort is being made to secure her safe release.

"On Thursday, a staff member of the Aga Khan Foundation was abducted. An investigation by the authorities has been launched, in conjunction with security officials and various partners. Every effort is being made to secure the safe release of the staff member," he said in a statement in New Delhi.