Is there any new information regarding the situation of Fr Tom?
According to Bishop Paul Hinder of the Vicariate of Southern Arabia, who is our primary source of information, there is still a strong indication that Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was kidnapped on 4th March 2016, in Yemen, is still alive and there is no reason to believe that he is not alive.
According to the information that you have, what is being done to free Fr Tom?
The Ministry of External Affairs of India is in touch with the Authorities in Aden and it is pursuing the matter closely. In fact, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Honourable Minister of External Affairs, tweeted on last Saturday, saying that her Ministry is making all efforts to secure the release of Fr. Tom. We have also received a copy of the second letter that she wrote on 22nd March, 2016 to Shri Jose K. Mani, Honourable Member of Parliament informing him of what her Ministry is doing to secure the release of Fr. Tom.
Bishop Paul Hinder of the Vicariate of Southern Arabia too, is closely monitoring the situation. He is still hopeful and doing everything possible within his limits, through diplomatic channels, for the safety of Fr. Tom.
What is the stand of Bangalore Province, while “uncontrolled messages” are being circulated over the social media?
We are well aware that the social media is not within our control. We have tried to counter the uncontrolled false messages by publishing disclaimers but with very little success. We have made appeals to the public to abstain from propagating and spreading all such false rumours as they can jeopardize the ongoing efforts to save the life of the hostage. These days, we are still having a very harrowing time as we are compelled each time to deal with fresh rumours emerging either from within or outside the country.
How are the relatives of Fr Tom coping up with the situation, while awaiting his release?
We are in constant touch with the siblings and close relatives of Fr. Tom. Naturally, they are very anxious and worried especially when they come across baseless rumours, conflicting and contradictory reports that are being floated in the social media as well as in the main stream media. We have reassured them that no efforts are being spared, to secure his release.
