ASIA/AFGHANISTAN - Release of Indian Jesuit held hostage for eight months

Monday, 23 February 2015

Kabul (Agenzia Fides) – Fr. Alexis Prem Kumar, Indian Jesuit taken hostage in Afghanistan (see Fides 3/6/2014), has been released after eight months in captivity : Fides was informed by the JRS , Jesuit Refugee Service which expressed “deep gratitude to the government of India” for the role played in the liberation process.
“These eight months have been for us for colleagues and friends, and above all for the family of Fr. Prem, a long period of terrible uncertainty and trial. We are aware of the efforts made for his release at various levels and we are all deeply grateful to those who prayed, especially the children at the school where he was kidnapped”, said JRS Director, Fr. Peter Balleis. The unfortunate priest is psychologically exhausted but overall in good health.
Fr. Kumar was taken hostage on June 2 last year in west Afghanistan by an unidentified group of men. The priest had been visiting a JRS school for Afghan returnees in a settlement situated some 34 Kilometres from Herat. The 47 year old Jesuit, who hails from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, on his back to Herat was stopped and forced into a vehicle by a group of gunmen.
The JRS has been working in Afghanistan since 2005. Even during the difficult months of Fr. Kumar’s captivity, JRS continued with its educative programmes in the country. “Our role in Afghanistan is to help displaced persons, offering them the opportunity of education and professional formation. We were present for the Afghans a long time before Fr Prem was abducted and we intend to stay and help them in every possible way”, said Fr. Stan Fernandes, JRS regional director for southern Asia. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 23/2/2015)


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