Location of 40 abducted Indians located by Iraq govt: MEA

Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Syed Akbaruddin today said that the Iraqi government confirmed the abduction of 40 Indian workers and that they have located the workers. “Foreign Ministry of Iraq has confirmed to us that they have been able to determine the location where the workers are being held captive,” said Akbaruddin. [caption id=“attachment_1578901” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Relatives of Indian workers who were taken hostage in Iraq pose with photographs of their loved ones at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on 19 June 2014. AFP[/caption] Akbaruddin said that Suresh Reddy, former Indian ambassador to Iraq has reached Baghdad and is monitoring the situation. He also said that Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj chaired the crisis management group meet twice today and has been monitoring the situation personally. “She [Swaraj] also spoke to Punjab chief minister, deputy chief minister as well as the Kerala chief minister, while Anil Wadhwa, secretary (east) has had two conversations with the Iraqi ambassador,” said Akbaruddin. He said that the government has not ruled out any steps that could be taken to ensure safety of Indians in Iraq. “We will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of Indian citizens,” the MEA spokesperson said. Akbaruddin said that the Indian embassy in Iraq will remain open to assist other citizens who wish to leave the country. He said that documentation for those who wish to return will not be an issue. “The lack of passports or other documents will not be a problem. We have helpline numbers where people can call and the Indian mission in Baghdad will continue to assist those who wish to get out of Iraq,” he said. Akbaruddin said that all efforts were being made to keep in contact with Indians across Iraq, even in parts where the security situation is bad.