The Andhra Pradesh Government today said it is in touch with the Centre and making all efforts to secure the release of P Gopikrishna, one of the four Indians kidnapped in Libya allegedly by the Islamic State terror group.
Information and NRI Affairs Palle Raghunatha Reddy said the State Government was making efforts for the release of Gopikrishna, a teacher by profession and a native of Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh.
Srikakulam MP K Rammohan Naidu also said he was in touch with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on the matter.
"All efforts are being taken to secure their safe release. I and External Affairs Minister (Sushma Swaraj) discussed the issue this morning. She said it has come to her notice and the Government is taking all steps for their safe release. Let's hope they return without any harm. The Government efforts are in that direction," Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters.
Swaraj said in New Delhi that two out of four Indian teachers allegedly kidnapped the IS while returning to India from Tripoli on July 29 were released today.
"Four Indians abducted in Libya - I am happy we have been able to secure the release of Lakshmikant and Vijay Kumar. Trying for other two," Swaraj said.
MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said the two Indians have been brought back safely to University of Sirte and efforts were continuing for the remaining two. However, it was not immediately known how they were freed.
Of the four teachers, two are from Hyderabad, one from Raichur and one from Bengaluru. The four Indians were "detained" at a check point, about 50 km from Sirte, a Libyan city. The area is under the control of the terror outfit, the Central Government said.
