After the Provincial and Delegation from the Salesian Province of Bangalore meets Ms. Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister of India, in regard to discuss the present situation of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted by the terrorist group, on 4th March, 2016, from Yemen, Mrs.Sushma Swaraj assured the swift release of the Salesian Fr. Uzhunnalil. The Minister also highlighted that securing the freedom of Fr. Uzhunnalil was among the highest priorities of the government.
Mrs. Sushma Swaraj remarked that “All efforts are made with utmost urgency by the Government of India and help is sought from governments, organizations, and people who could assist in this process.” Further, she asserted “Fr. Tom is alive and safe for sure and it is the strong hope of the Government that he could be released soon.”
The delegation submitted the letter of appeal highlighting the concerns to the Minister and expressed hope about the release of Fr. Tom. The Province also expressed their immense gratitude to Rt. Rev. Theodore Mascarenhas, the Secretary General of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), who arranged their meeting with the External Affairs Minister of India, and for his tireless efforts behind following up the process for the release of Fr. Tom on behalf of the Catholic Church.
