It is a homecoming the external affairs ministry has been unable to achieve, despite its reputation of reaching out to Indians in distress across the world. Three years ago, when the Modi government was freshly sworn in, came the news that Islamic State had abducted 40 Indians from Mosul—most of them construction workers from Punjab. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has met the families of the missing men around a dozen times, the last being on July 16 after the liberation of Mosul, but the reassurances of the ministry haven't helped. Beyond words, and vague “sightings” by unidentified sources, there is nothing to prove they are alive. But, officials say, there isn't anything to prove they are dead, either.
The liberation of Mosul has given the families fresh hope of getting the men back, or at least know for sure their fate. Minister of State for External Affairs General V.K. Singh was sent to Iraq soon after Mosul was liberated. He had the two-fold mission of conveying to the Iraqi government India's support in the fight against terror, and of talking about the missing nationals.
Subsequently, the Iraqi government has assured that its staff will be instructed to look out for any Indian, not just the missing 39, as it secures Mosul, street by street, house by house. After his return, THE WEEK met Singh, who said there is reason to be optimistic. Excerpts from an interview:
What is your impression of Erbil and Mosul?
I found Erbil to be a safe and vibrant city. There is no threat in Erbil. However, Mosul is still unstable. The western part of Mosul city is yet to be completely cleared of IS control. Besides, the threat of IEDs [improvised explosive devices] planted by IS still looms in Mosul.
What is the government doing to find the Indians who were kidnapped?
The government has been making continuous efforts to look for its missing nationals. We have taken up the matter at all possible levels of the Iraqi government, and have also been meeting officials and dignitaries from the Kurdish regional government. We set up a control centre in Erbil in 2014, which was functional for two long years before finally giving way to our consulate in Erbil last year. Both our mission in Baghdad and consulate in Erbil have been closely following the issue.
Do you think they are alive?
See, there have been no tragic reports on this case in the last two years and, hence, there is a reason for us to be optimistic and continue with our efforts.
There has been no ransom demand, then why would they have been kidnapped?
You have to understand that IS has not just been capturing people for ransom, but they have also been utilising the captured people as manpower for their own projects. Like in the case of our missing nationals, they have been employed in various activities, including agricultural activities.
Have you heard reports of recent sightings?
The last sighting, as informed to us, has been in Badush, which is beyond the western part of Mosul, and this area is still to be completely cleared of IS presence.
