Iraqi city freed from ISIS: Kin of Punjabis stuck in Mosul want Centre to evacuate them soon

With the Iraqi forces freeing Mosul from ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), a glimmer of hope has emerged for the families from Punjab and elsewhere who are waiting for the return of 39 youths the terror group kidnapped in June 2014.

As most of the youths, who have not made any contact with their families ever since, belong to Punjab, their families here now want the Indian government to take urgent measures to bring them back.

Gurpinder Kaur of Bhoewal village in Amritsar, whose brother Manjinder Singh is among those stuck in Mosul, said, “If the Iraqi forces have really succeeded in getting Mosul free from the ISIS, it is a great news for us. Now, the Indian government should not take even 24 hours to act and get back them back as soon as possible.”

These families have already met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj at least 12 times to seek her intervention. Gurpinder said, “Last time, when we met the minister, we were told that the government was aware of the location of all 39 persons. They had even said once the area is freed from ISIS, the government will be able to establish contact with them.”

If they have tried to make contact with Manjinder since, she said his phone stopped working 10-12 days before they lost contact with him in June 2014.

Harbhajan Kaur of Babbowal village in the district, who too is waiting for her 26-year-old son Harsimranjit Singh’s return, said, “Harsimranjit went to work in Iraq in 2013 but we just want him back. We went to meet Sushma Swaraj last month and she assured us that all the boys were safe and they will be evacuated once Mosul is freed. We hope the government does the needful immediately.”

Seema of Chawinda Devi village near Majitha in the district, who is waiting for her husband Sonu, said, “This has given us hope. Union minister Sushma Swaraj had assured us that once things normalise in Mosul, the government will bring everyone back.”