Libya: India expresses happiness at release of seven Indian nationals 

Seven Indian nationals from Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, had been kidnapped from Asshwerif in Libya on September 14.

They were released on Sunday.

In a statement the External Affairs Ministry said, “We are happy to inform that the seven Indian nationals who had been abducted at Asshwerif in Libya on 14 September, were finally released yesterday (11 October). Our Ambassador to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal spoke to them over phone after they were handed over by the abductors to the company Al Shola Al Mudia.”

All of the released persons are said to be in good health and are currently staying in the company’s premises in Brega.

“We are trying to complete requisite formalities to enable their return to India,” it said.

Appreciating their efforts, the Ministry said, “We convey our sincere thanks to the Libyan authorities and the tribal elders from the region for their steadfast cooperation in securing the release of our nationals unharmed.”

“Both our Ambassador to Tunisia and our local consular staff were in constant touch with them and the company all through the crisis,” it added.

The Ministry had reinforced the ban on travel of Indians to Libya, irrespective of the purpose, on May 2016 because of the security situation there.

India had issued an advisory against travel to Libya for the first time in September 2015.