Tearful kin of trapped Punjabis in Iraq pray for their safe return

Relatives of Punjabis trapped in Iraq were in tears as they visited Gurudwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in New Delhi to pray for their safe return.

The families of the kidnapped Indians are scheduled to meet External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj this evening along with Punjab Chief Minister Prakash Singh Badal to decide on the next steps to secure their safe release.

"My son is trapped in Iraq. I had a word with him last on June 15. We are going to meet the minister today with a hope that something positive will happen," said the mother of one of the trapped Indians.

Gurpinder Kaur, a sister of one of the kidnapped, said, "My brother told me that the condition is critical because of the ongoing fight. All company owners have run away, and all their passports are with them only. He told us that a few people came and took him with them, and from June 11 to June 15, they were with them only. He told us that they are keeping them nicely, but saying that they will send them back to India only if somebody takes responsibility."

Earlier today, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the location of abducted Indians is being tracked.

Rakesh Kumar, the son of a trapped Indian Balwant Rai, said, "I had a word with my father last on Tuesday at 5:30 in the evening, and he said that they have been locked in a factory room. Earlier, they were not even provided with food for two or three days. Then, they came one day to give food and didn't return after that. They don't know anything; they don't have their passports; there is firing and bomb attacks going on everywhere."

Another relative, Charanjeet Singh, who is the cousin brother of trapped Nishant Singh, said, "We had a word with him last Sunday. He said we are safe, but under ISI, and if any special team comes from India, then they can take us from here. We will ask the minister to bring back the trapped nationals as soon as possible."

A member of the Gurdwara Management Committee from Delhi said that these families have certain demands which they want to keep in from of the EAM, firstly they want to talk to talk to their relatives and secondly they want them to be airlifted in private jets.