Vaiko writes to PM Narendra Modi over abducted Indian aid worker

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in securing the release of a Jesuit priest from Tamil Nadu, who was abducted by unidentified gunmen in Afghanistan on June 2.

In his letter to Modi, Vaiko contended that 47-year-old Fr Alexis Prem Kumar S J has dedicated himself for uplift of tribal people throughout his life and also served for the Sri Lankan refugees in Tamil Nadu.

"I am afraid his life is in danger. I would request you to take appropriate immediate measures with the Government of Afghanistan to secure the release of the Catholic Priest," Vaiko said.

The priest, serving as Country Director in Afghanistan for Jesuit Refugee Service, was abducted in Herat province on Monday, nearly 11 days after the Indian consulate was attacked by armed men.