MEA dampens rumors about Rev Tom in Yemen

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Apr 04, 2016: In a special bulletin from Catholic Church news agency, the Indian government ruled out all crucifixion rumors about a Catholic priest abducted in Yemen early March and stated advanced efforts are on to insure Rev Tom’s freedom.

The release of Rev Thomas Uzhunnalil is “imminent,” said Bishop Joseph Chinnayan, deputy secretary general of the CBCI, National Bishops’ Conference of India, after meeting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Apr 2, Saturday.

Minister Swaraj has assured the Church delegation that Rev Tom Uzhunnalil is “safe” and that the government was adopting “all possible means for the quick and safe release” of the priest, Bishop Rev  Chinnayan said.

Rev Tom Uzhunnalil, a Salesain priest of Bangalore province, was taken away on March 4 by suspected Islamic terrorist after they attacked a home for the aged in Aden run by Missionaries of Charity nuns, and gunned down 16 people.

Church officials last week requested government’s help to establish the “real fate” of the abducted priest after rumors spread in the media that terrorists have tortured and crucified the priest on Good Friday.  Rev  Chinnayan said the government refused to “divulge the details of the negotiations and the technicalities” as it would endanger the ongoing process.

External Affairs Minister told the delegation “the strenuous effort”  MEA  has taken ensured a safe passage for Sister Rema, the only surviving nun in the Aden attack. Similar action is on for Rev Tom too.

The Church delegation thanked the government on behalf of the “whole Church in India” for the various steps taken to rescue Father Uzhunnalil.