Kidnapping In Iraq

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) issued the following statement on July 22, 2004.

THE kidnapping of three Indian truck drivers along with three others in Iraq is a cause for deep concern. It is reported that the abductors have demanded that Indians should not work in the country and the company employing them should shut down its activities. The company is engaged in carrying supplies to the American troops stationed in Iraq.

The Indian government should immediately ensure the safety of the Indian hostages by announcing that Indian citizens will not engage in such activities in Iraq. Such a decision will be in conformity with the stand taken earlier by the government not to allow Indians to be hired by private security agencies for work in Iraq. All efforts must be made by the government for the release of the hostages.