Thanks to Sushma Swaraj again! Three youths abducted by Nigerian pirates released

Kangra, April 12: The three youths who were working in Merchant Navy were kidnapped by Nigerian pirates, have been released. Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur thanked External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for securing the release of these three youths- Sushil Kumar, Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Kumar. 

CM Jairam Thakur said “I am highly grateful to honourable Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj for her tireless efforts in securing the release of three Himachalis who were kidnapped in Nigeria. A big thanks from the people of Himachal.”

 

We have secured the release of three Indian nationals Sushil Kumar, Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Kumar - all from Himachal Pradesh who were abducted in Nigeria. I appreciate the efforts of Shri B.N.Reddy Indian High Commissioner in Nigeria, said External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj earlier on Wednesday.

Raghuvir Singh, father of Sushil Kumar, when contacted on phone, said that he got a phone call from his local MLA Hoshiar Singh that his son has been released by the Nigerian pirates.

Three sailors of Himachal, who were kidnapped by the Nigerian pirates, were currently working with Max Marine Services in Cortnou Benin since November 26 last. The ship was owned by Nesto. The pirates made calls to the families of the kidnapped youth time and again demanding ransom of Rs 5 lakh per head.

Speaking to the family, Sushil informed them that some Nigerian sea pirates had hijacked his ship and kidnapped three Indian crew members, including him. He said after this call the family contacted the ship owner Nesto and talked to him about the latest situation. Nesto informed them that he was trying to negotiate with the pirates and he was ready to give the ransom money to get the three released from their clutches. The family had alleged that Nesto was misleading them.