"[Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj] has assured us Father Tom is safe and negotiations are on for his release which could happen very soon," said Father Joseph Chinnaiyan, deputy secretary of the bishops' conference.

Father Tom Uzhunnalil was captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden by gunmen who killed at least 15 people at an attack of a home for the elderly.

"Swaraj has categorically assured the delegation that Uzhunnalil is safe and that the government is adopting all possible means for his quick and safe release," the bishops' conference said in a statement.

Swaraj, however, told the bishops that details of the negotiations and the technicalities involved with the negotiations cannot be divulged "as it would endanger the process of the release."

Aden has been racked by lawlessness since Hadi supporters, backed by Gulf Arab military forces, drove fighters of the Iran-allied Houthi group from the city in July last year.

International aid groups have pulled most of their foreign staff from Yemen due to security concerns.

Sources

Times of India
The Indian Express
Christian Today
Image: Christian Today

"I have no confirmation that anything happened Good Friday," Bishop Paul Hinder, head of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, told the Catholic News Service.

The bishop said he has "strong indications" that Father Uzhunnalil "is still alive in the hands of his kidnappers."

Father Uzhunnalil, an Indian, was kidnapped on March 4 from the home for the aged and disabled run by the Missionaries of Charity in Aden, Yemen. Four Missionaries of Charity and 12 others were murdered in the attack.

Media reports during the Holy Week said Islamic State militants planned to crucify Father Uzhunnalil on Good Friday.

The Salesian order in India, however, said there was no evidence to support the reports and asked people to refrain from "spreading false rumors."

The Indian government said it was still actively trying to rescue the priest.

"We are making all efforts to secure his release," said Indian foreign minister Sushma Swaraj in a tweet.

Sources

UCAN
Catholic Herald
Catholic News Service
The Independent
Image: UCAN