How do we bring back our countrymen

At 2 am on January 25 this year, a small team of US Navy SEALS slipped into water and entering the Somali pirates’ heartland, headed towards a boat on which two American aid workers were being held as hostages.

They quickly neutralised the pirates and rescued the Americans and their Danish colleague. A few months later South Korean special forces launched a similar operation and rescued their citizens from pirates.

But when it comes to the Indians languishing as hostages for over two years, New Delhi has failed to take any action, be it diplomatic or military. While India has been discussing the issue with major nations and regularly patrolling the seas, it has failed to move forward when it comes to getting the hostages freed.

New Delhi believes that only the ship owners can act. But since the owners have disappeared, there is little hope for the hostages.

However, former navy chief Admiral Sushil Kumar (retd) feels a proactive measure in coordination with other maritime nations having similar interests will be a credible initiative. The Indian Navy’s Marine Commando Force (MARCOS) operate like America’s SEALS and could be pressed into service with their foreign counterparts, he feels.

“We can hope for success because pirates, unlike terrorists, are not interested in a glorified death. All they want is money and that makes them a pro-active target. A good decision, firm will, and robust action is required and the Indian navy has highly skilled and motivated naval special forces,” says Kumar.

“People fear carrying out such operations due to diplomatic surges. Piracy is a scourge, but if you carry out such a mission, the international community will applaud you,” Kumar says.

A former foreign secretary, who did not wish to be identified, feels differently. He said, “Military option may not be feasible. In case there is a loss of life, who will take the responsibility?” Another former foreign secretary also feels that exchanging Somali pirates currently in Indian jails for the hostages would be a better option.

Pakistani human rights activist Ansar Burney believes the government’s diplomatic initiatives coupled with efforts by human rights organizations is likely to bear fruit. “It is the responsibility of the government to trace the Dubai based owner of the ship. Once the owner comes to the fore, we can go ahead with the process of collecting humanitarian aid.”

Burney feels “it is also important the navy helps us locate the exact position of the ship. Once this is established, we can go ahead. I am ready to do whatever I can,” he told DNA. With the Indian government maintaining a stoic silence, Burney and his ilk offer a sliver of hope for the forgotten Indians languishing on an island off the Somali coast for over two years.