Sushma happy over release
“Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was following up the issue keenly. Our representatives from Salesian group were in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs,” Thomas added.
Hearing the news, Indian politicians and church members are visiting Thomas’ house and Fr Tom’s other family members are settled in the United States.
“Related to Fr Tom, I am the only close relative here. This 16th, it would have become 19 months exactly,” Thomas added sharing his happiness in the release news.
India’s ambassador to Oman Indra Mani Pandey was pleased to see Uzhunnalil freed.
“We are aware that he has been freed, and are happy that he is now out of danger,” said Pandey.
“We would not like to share any more details about this at this time, and will wait for the Government of India to make a statement.” A member of the government of the Vatican City, Uzhunnalil worked at an old-age home, founded by Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity, and had spent 17 months in captivity.
Sushma Swaraj also expressed relief on his release, saying, “I am happy to inform that Father Tom Uzhunnalil has been rescued.
Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, added, “The news of the release of Fr. Tom Uzhunnalil, who was in the captivity of terrorists, is heartening. Wishing him well.”
The Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia, which oversees the welfare and development of churches in the UAE, Oman and Yemen, was also relieved to see father Tom out of danger.
“We gratefully thank all those who prayed for the safe release of Fr. Tom. More details are awaited and will be released when available,” they said in a statement.
“Thank the Lord and all those who worked on this.”
In May, a video of the Indian priest was posted online and he was seen in poor health, calling for help.
“They are treating me well to the extent they are able,” the whitebearded Uzhunnalil said, speaking slowly in English.
“My health condition is deteriorating quickly and I require hospitalisation as early as possible,” he added in the recording. The date April 15, 2017 was written on a piece of cardboard pasted on his body.