Efforts on for release of Fr. Tom: Sushma Swaraj

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday discussed issues such a freeing of Father Tom, who is believed to be in the custody of Islamic State, in Yemen and evacuation of Malayalees from Libya with Union Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.

Ms. Swaraj informed the Chief Minister that all possible steps would be taken for release of Fr. Tom. The absence of a proper government in Yemen and closure of Indian embassy was causing problems in efforts to get his release. However, attempts through various agencies were underway.

The Chief Minister said in an official release that Ms. Swaraj had promised help to bring the bodies of a house wife and her child who were killed in shell attack in Libya.

He had also talked to the bishop concerned in Abu Dhabi twice about release of Fr. Tom and assured him all help from the part of Kerala.

Meanwhile, Ms. Swaraj urged Indians in trouble prone areas to return to India in a twitter message. She recalled that warnings had been issued earlier also.