Judith D'Souza, Indian woman kidnapped in Kabul, works with an international NGO.
Highlights
- Indian woman working with international NGO kidnapped in Kabul last night
- She is an employee of Aga Khan Development Network, is from Kolkata
- All efforts being made by Afghan officials to secure her release: sources
An Indian woman identified as Judith D'Souza has been kidnapped in Kabul, Afghanistan. Ms D'Souza reportedly works with the Agha Khan network, an international NGO.
The 40-year-old was kidnapped on Thursday night. She had been in Kabul for a year and was to come home to Kolkata on June 15.
Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has spoken to her family. In response to a tweet from her brother, the minister said the government is "doing everything to rescue her."
Appealing the government to help her, Ms D'Souza's sister told reporters in Kolkata, "My sister liked the place...she said there was a lot of work to be done. But if such a thing happens, who would want to go back. The government of India must do something and get my sister back. I want her back."
She says her family came to know about the kidnapping around 1.30 am on Friday when they received a call from the Indian embassy in Kabul.
Sources said all efforts are being made by Afghan authorities to secure Ms D'Souza's early release.
Last month, the Indian Embassy had issued a security advisory for Indians residing in Afghanistan and travelling to the country.
"All Indians residing and travelling to Afghanistan are advised that the security situation in the country remains highly volatile. Terrorist attacks have taken place in the country against foreigners and are expected to continue. There is also the risk of kidnapping and hostage taking throughout the Afghanistan. The Embassy advises all Indians in Afghanistan to live and work with adequate security precautions," the statement said.