All 7 Indians kidnapped in Libya in September released; hope to repatriate soon, says MEA

Seven Indians who were kidnapped in Libya on September 14, were released on October 11, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Monday.  Indian nationals, hailing from Andhra Presh, Bihar, Gujarat and Uttar Presh, were kidnapped at Asshwerif on September 14 when y were on ir way to Tripoli airport to catch a flight to India.

"We are happy to inform that seven Indian nationals who h been abducted at Asshwerif in Libya on September 14 were finally released yesterday," MEA said.

'All of m are in good health'

Indian Ambassor to Tunisia Puneet Roy Kundal spoke to m over phone after y were handed over by abductors to oil company Al Shola Al Mudia, for which y used to work. "All of m are in good health and are currently staying on company's premises in Brega. We are trying to complete requisite formalities to enable ir return to India," statement re.

Following kidnapping, Indian embassy in Tunisia reached out to Libyan government authorities as also international organisations present re, seeking help in rescuing Indian nationals. Indian mission in Tunisia handles matters relating to welfare of Indian nationals in Libya.

A complete travel ban to Libya

Libya, an oil-rich country in rth Africa, has been witnessing large-scale violence and unrest since fall of Muammar Gdafi's four-dece regime in 2011. "We convey our sincere thanks to Libyan authorities and tribal elders from region for ir stefast cooperation in securing release of our nationals unharmed," MEA said.

RE | Trump throws face mask in Florida rally; doctor says 'tested negative on consecutive days'

RE | Sushant's fan takes 'CBI break silence' mess to streets; SSRians plan 'Mann ki Baat'

It also reiterated that re is a ban on travel of Indian nationals to Libya, irrespective of purpose, since May 2016 because of security situation re. In September 2015, an visory was issued by government for Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Libya in view of security situation re. In May 2016, government imposed a complete travel ban irrespective of purpose in view of deteriorating security situation in Libya.

RE | NC attempts face-saver after BJP castigates Farooq Abdullah for pro-China remark

RE | Donald Trump's Indian 'megafan' dies of cardiac arrest over US Prez contracting COVID-19

(With ncy inputs)