An Indian Jesuit aid worker held captive in Afghanistan for eight months was released this weekend.
Fr Alexis Prem Kumar, Afghanistan Director of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), was abducted in June 2014 by a group of unidentified men in western Afghanistan.
Fr Prem, 47, had been visiting a refugee school near Herat that is supported by the charity when he was forced into a car at gunpoint.
The JRS, which supports and advocates for refugees, yesterday thanked the Indian Government for its role in achieving his release.
The announcement of the priest’s release was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through tweets.
Delighted at securing the release of Indian Jesuit priest Father Alexis Prem Kumar from captivity in Afghanistan.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 22, 2015
"Delighted at securing the release of Indian Jesuit priest Father Alexis Prem Kumar from captivity in Afghanistan," he tweeted.
Fr Peter Balleis SJ, International Director of JRS, spoke of the relief of Fr Prem’s family and friends after months of uncertainty.
“We are aware of the tireless efforts at many levels to achieve his release and we are grateful for the consolation we have received from the prayerful support of countless friends – including those of the school children from the school where he was kidnapped," he said.
Fr Prem had previously worked in his home state of Tamil Nadu, in south India, supporting Sri Lankan refugees.
Loading ...
