Indian woman Judith D'Souza abducted in Kabul; family appeals for her safe return

KOLKATA: Parents of Judith D’Souza , the 40 year old woman abducted in Kabul, appealed to the ministry of external affairs to ensure safe return of their daughter. Judith, who spoke to her father day before, told that she would be returning to Kolkata on Wednesday on a month’s leave. Judith had been working for Aga Khan Foundation as a development officer.

Sushma Swaraj, Union minister for external affairs, today called her family and spoke Agnes, Judith’s elder sister. “We have been contacted by Madam Swaraj and her officers. They assured us that they would be taking all possible efforts to get our sister back to the country,” said Jerome D’Souza, brother of Judith. “We are getting all sorts of cooperation from the MEA. They are in constant touch with the Afghan government and with us,” he added

"She is your sister and India's daughter. We are doing everything to rescue her. Pl take care of your sick father,' Swaraj responded to the tweet of Jerome.

A former student of Loreto convent school and St Xavier’s college, Judith worked for several others NGOs as a development officer for women and children welfare schemes. Apart from Kabul, she worked in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal for long.

"At around 1.30 am today, we got a call from Indian Embassy and we were told that Judith was abducted. My sister never expressed any doubt or fear about her assignments in Kabul. She was provided with security and she always told us that she was safe. She is brave woman,” said Agnes, her elder sister. Judith’s elderly parents and sister stay at Entally in central Kolkata. TMC MP, Derek O’ Brien met her parents and appealed to MEA minister for her release.