Poor information irks foreign hostages' kin

Jammu and Kashmir Governor, K V Krishna Rao has assured the relatives and friends of four foreign hostages held captive now for over two years by the Al-Faran militant group, that the government is doing everything possible to ascertain their whereabouts.

The relatives - Bob Wells, Julie Mangan, Catherine Mosley and James - who arrived in Jammu on Thursday morning, April 17, to seek information about the hostages, expressed concern over the lack of information on the issue.

Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah and state police chief Gurbachan Jagat have said the government does not have any confirmed information on hostages' being dead or alive.

However, Minister of State for Home Ali Mohammed Sagar had recently assured the relatives in Srinagar that the government would do everything for the safety and security of the captives.

Meanwhile, Idgah Imam Moulvi Saddru Hasan issued an appeal on Friday, April 18, for information about the hostages. He was addressing a gathering after the Friday prayers at a mosque.

The relatives are scheduled to visit Kot Balwal Jail, about 10 km from Jammu, to meet militant Leader Massod Azhar who claims he has information on the hostages.

The relatives, who are staying in a local hotel, also plan to visit Srinagar to meet various people and are scheduled to go to Pakistan for holding talks with several militant leaders.

The four foreigners - Paul Wells and Keith Manigan (British) Donald Hutchings (US) and Dirk Hasert (Germany) - were abducted by the Al-Faran from Pahalgam, South Kashmir on July 5, 1995, and have been in captivity since then.

The relatives said they had no specific clues about the whereabouts of the hostages. "We do not have any specific clues. We hope that the change of season and melting of snows in the higher reaches can help Indian authorities locate them.''

They said they would also drop leaflets all over the Doda region where the hostages are reported to have been sighted recently. ''Even a shepherd can be of help.''

There were reports of the hostages having been sighted by nomads in Bajpathari Naar Chatroo in the higher reaches of Doda district. Since then there have been no reports about their whereabouts.

The families had also gone on the Internet but said they did not get any information except sympathies and messages expressing concern.

Julie Mangan and Bob Wells have visited the valley three times since last year to find a clue about the hostages.

The relatives appealed to the captors again to unfold the mystery and close the chapter once and for all.

The relatives also met Director General of Police Gurbachan Jagat on Thursday for about 30 minutes.

The police have assured the relatives that they would intensify efforts for the hostages' release.

The relatives, however, requested the government to not concede to the demand of the captors who want the release of their 15 jailed associates.

UNI