PANJIM: Commissioner for NRI Affairs Narendra Sawaikar has approached the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) seeking intervention for the release of four Goan sailors who along with 16 other sailors have been abducted by pirates in West Africa. A quick reply from Defence Adviser of Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Cameroon states that the Indians are “reportedly safe.”
“The families of the Goan sailors are worried and anxious to know about the well being of the abducted sailors and have approached my office for help and assistance in getting them released through the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India,” Sawaikar said in the letter to MEA Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Tuesday.
“In view of the above, the Government of Goa would be highly grateful if your office would kindly give necessary instructions to the High Commission of India in Nigeria to appraise this office on the hostage situation to enable us to inform the families accordingly,” he further said.
A reply by the Defence Adviser at the High Commission of India, Abuja Colnel Sachin Dubey, states that Director General of Shipping has confirmed that contact has been established between the parties concerned and the Indian nationals are reportedly safe.
“The High Commissioner yesterday (Monday) met the Minister of Defence, Nigeria and raised this issue. The Defence Minister assured that all necessary assistance will be provided for the safe and early release of the hostages, in case they are found in Nigeria. The Nigerian Navy has increased patrolling in waters around Lagos and Bayelsa,” the communication to the Indian authorities further states.
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