Indian woman NGO kidnapped in Kabul

The kidnapped woman is Judith D’Souza, 40, working as a senior technical advisor on gender with the Aga Khan Developmental Network in Kabul, sources in New Delhi said. D’Souza was kidnapped late on Thursday, the sources said. No group immediately claimed responsibility for her abduction. They said all efforts are being made by the Afghan authorities to secure her release. 

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that she has spoken to D’Souza’s sister. “I have spoken to the sister of Judith D’Souza. We will spare no efforts to rescue her,” she tweeted. “She is your sister and India’s daughter. We are doing everything to rescue her. Please take care of your sick father,” Sushma Swaraj added. 

This is not the first time that an Indian aid worker has been kidnapped in Afghanistan. Taliban militants have mostly been blamed for the kidnappings. Many Indian establishments have also been targeted in the past in Afghanistan where New Delhi has pledged and made huge investments to rebuild the wartorn country.