Click to play videoNew Delhi: The fate of 18 Indians aboard the hijacked ship Stolt Valor, in Somalian waters still hangs in the balance. With the Government is saying its helpless to go into international waters - it is Captain Prabhat Goel's wife Seema Goel who is keeping the pressure on the Government.
After another meeting, this time with Shipping Minister T R Baalu Seema is livid, after yet another empty assurance.
It's been 17 days since her husband, Captain Goel's ship, the Stolt Valor, was hijacked by pirates off the Somalian coast. She's angry that the Government hasn't moved an inch to bring back her husband and the 17 other Indians on board.
"The solution is to do something constructive to bring back those who've been held hostage, mere assurances will not help," said Seema.
The hijackers have demanded $2.5 million as ransom, but India says it cannot directly negotiate with the pirates.
"They have asked for $2.5 million as ransom. The matter can be settled not by the Government but by the owner of the ship," said Baalu.
The Defence Ministry says it can't intervene in the hostage crisis as it would infringe on the territorial integrity of Somalia's waters.
"Hot pursuits will have vital implications, Government will have to apply its mind seriously," said Defence Minister, A K Antony.
The Defence Ministry has turned down the Navy's request to launch a commando raid. And the Government maintains that there can be no blanket permission for counter piracy operations.
However, decisions can be taken on a case to case basis.
Pirates have attacked 63 ships since January 26. United Nations Security Council authorised naval forces to enter Somalian territorial waters in June 2008. But the directive is valid till November and the Indian Navy can mount a special operation in Somalia.
Meanwhile, Seema continues to receive frantic calls for help from the sailors everyday. Being the only link between the sailors and the Govt, she is also their only voice for survival.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)
 |
 |
 |
|
More on IBNLive Right Now
TOP NEWS
MOST SHARED
PHOTOGALLERY
