Two Indian engineers abducted in South Sudan by rebels earlier this month have been released, following intervention by the Indian government.
News of the release was tweeted on Thursday night by Ajay Raja, Production Operator at Dar Petroleum Operating Company, South Sudan, who thanked External Affairs Minister for the release of the two Indians.
"Thank you @SushmaSwaraj mam for your efforts to release the two Indians Midhun and Edward in South Sudan. My friends are back. Thank you," he tweeted.
Thank you @SushmaSwaraj mam for your efforts to release the two indians midhun and edward in south sudan. my friends are back. thank you.
— Ajay Raja (@heartsofajay) March 30, 2017
On March 9, Raja had appealed to Sushma Swaraj for her intervention following the abduction.
"Our 2 Indians kidnapped by criminals @SouthSudan while in field work since March 8, 17. @K6270096Midhun @J1100553Edward @SushmaSwaraj. Help mam."
@SushmaSwaraj mam, I request ur help. My frnds Midhun & Edward almost 20 days under Rebels custody in Southsudan. Save them & their family
— Ajay Raja (@heartsofajay) March 26, 2017
Swaraj also praised the efforts of Indian envoy in South Sudan, Srikumar Menon, in the release of two Indian engineers abducted there by rebels earlier in March.
"I am happy to inform about the release of two Indian nationals Midhun and Edward who were abducted in South Sudan. I appreciate the efforts of Indian Ambassador in South Sudan...," the minister tweeted.
The two men, Midhun Ganesh, 25, and A. Edward, 40, were abducted by the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) on March 8 when they were on field work.
They are employed in the Operations and Maintenance Department of Dar Petroleum Production Company, South Sudan and belong to Tamil Nadu.
News of the release was tweeted on Thursday night by Ajay Raja, Production Operator at the company, who thanked the Minister for the release.
"Our 2 Indians kidnapped by criminals @SouthSudan while in field work since March 8, 17... Help mam."
I appreciate the efforts of Indian Ambassador in South Sudan Srikumar Menon for the release of Indian nationals. /3
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 31, 2017
I am happy to inform about the release of two Indian nationals Midhun and Edward who were abducted in South Sudan. pic.twitter.com/ZCmxtcsFdw
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 31, 2017
In a related development, a Pakistani engineer who was also employed with Dar Petroleum and kidnapped in South Sudan was released on Thursday. The news of the release of Ayaz Jamali, who was in the captivity of some group in South Sudan, was tweeted by Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakariya. Zakariya posted: "We are grateful to the governments of South Sudan, China and Sudan for their cooperation and support in the successful release of Ayaz Jamali."