In a video uploaded on social media sites, Indian priest Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted from Yemen, was seen begging for life, a day after Christmas. Uzhunnalil was abducted from the port city of Aden, on March 4, by militant group ISIS.
The priest appears very weak and at times was gasping for breath in the 5 minute video. In the video, he is seen appealing to Pope Francis, the Indian government as well as other governments to secure his release from his captors.
“Several months have gone by and my captors have made many contacts with the government of India to get me released. Honourable President and Prime Minister of India, I am very sad nothing has been done seriously in my regard. Reports have been in news that everything is being done to get me released quickly but in reality nothing seems to have happened,” the priest says.
“If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously. I am from India. I am perhaps not considered as of much value,” says the 59-year-old. “Dear Pope Francis, dear Holy Father, as a father please take care of my life. I am very much depressed. My health is deteriorating.”
The veracity of the video uploaded on YouTube and Facebook, or the period when it was shot could not be independently verified. However, relatives of the priest confirmed that it was indeed the priest who appears in the video.
The Indian government on Monday had said it was in regular touch with Yemeni authorities and Saudi Arabia regarding the safe release of the priest.
“You are aware of the circumstances currently prevailing in Yemen where fighting is going on with no central authority in that country. With regard to the safe release of Father Tom who was abducted some months ago, we have been in regular touch with countries in the region, especially Saudi Arabia as also the local Yemeni authorities. Efforts continue in this regard,” External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.
