Indian IL&FS employees held hostage in Ethiopia, India in talks with authorities

The Indian authorities have contacted the Ethiopian authorities and have placed the case of the seven Indians Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (IL&FS) Ltd. employees being held hostage in Ethiopia on priority, sources said on Friday.

"We have taken this matter up on priority with both the Ethiopian authorities and IL&FS management with a view to resolving this expeditiously. We are doing our best to ensure a settlement of this matter," the sources stated.

Seven employees of the IL&FS have reportedly been held hostage by the local staff of the company since November 24 because of non-payment of salaries.

The matter is under investigation and more details are awaited.