the goan I network
MARGAO
Union Minister of State for Ayush Shripad Naik on Monday assured Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias that he would pursue with the Union Ministry of External Affairs the safe return of all the 20 Indian crew members, including the four Goans, who have been held hostage by pirates in West Africa.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the opening of the Chitari Heritage Craft & Art Gallery at Demani-Cuncolim, on Monday morning, the Union Minister of State for Ayush said he was briefed about the
hostage issue by the Cuncolim MLA on Monday, adding that he would immediately take up the matter with the External Affairs Ministry.
“It is unfortunate that the sailors were held hostage by the pirates in West Africa, of which four are Goans. After gathering the information, I will contact the Ministry of External Affairs today itself to ensure the safe return of the sailors,” Union MoS Shripad said.
The Cuncolim MLA Clafacio told the media that no sooner the news came that four Goan sailors, including one from Cuncolim, were held hostage by the pirates, he had immediately contacted NRI Commissioner Narendra Sawaikar for his intervention to ensure the sailors are safe.
“Today, I have taken up the matter with the Union Minister of State for Ayush and I am confident that the Union government will take all possible measures for the safe return of the sailors back
home at the earliest,”
Cuncolim MLA Clafacio
added.
