Some countries in the West Asia have become dangerous ground for Indians. The abductions of Judith D’Souza in Afghanistan and Father Tom Uzhunnalil from Yemen, prove that there are factions and groups that would target Indians, or perhaps anyone foreign and not from the region to prove some point. Judging by the mass radicalisation of people in America and Europe, it’s not wrong to presume that parts of Asia are fertile ground for this.
Judith D’Souza has now returned to India after being rescued. She was abducted by suspected militants in June from Afghanistan, where she was working as a technical advisor for the Aga Khan Foundation. Fr Uzhunnalil’s abduction in Yemen and the few disturbing pictures that have been released online show the danger Indian nationals are in, when they visit these countries.
The efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs under the leadership of Sushma Swaraj has to be commended for their follow ups and actions during times like these. But the question is, how safe are other Indians who are working in these regions? There are many aid workers and others like D’Souza and Fr Uzhunnalil who are selflessly toiling way there for a good cause.
One must not give in to terror but one must also wonder if it’s safe anyone in those regions.
