3 Indians abducted in Mali; MEA calls it ‘deplorable’; seeks urgent action | India News

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (PTI picture)

NEW DELHI: India on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the kidnapping of three of its nationals in Mali, a rustic grappling with a contemporary wave of terrorist assaults. The ministry of exterior affairs (MEA) stated the Indian employees, employed on the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, have been taken hostage throughout a coordinated armed assault on the manufacturing unit premises on July 1.A day after the incident, India formally referred to as upon the Mali authorities to take “all necessary measures” to make sure their “safe and expeditious” launch.“The incident occurred on July 1, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three Indian nationals as hostages,” the MEA stated.While no group has claimed accountability for the kidnapping thus far, Al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed accountability for a number of coordinated assaults throughout Mali on the identical day.The Indian embassy in Bamako, in accordance with the MEA, is in “close and constant” contact with native authorities, legislation enforcement companies, and the administration of Diamond Cement Factory. It can also be in contact with the households of these kidnapped.(*3*) the MEA stated in an announcement.It added, “Senior officials of the ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian nationals.”The authorities has additionally suggested all Indian residents at the moment residing in Mali to “exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the embassy in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance.”The MEA reiterated that it “remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest” and can present “all possible support” to them and their households.