Commando operation ruled out to free Indians from ship
NEW DELHI: The government on Monday said the safety of seven Indian sailors on cargo ship MV Asphalt Venture—who were not released despite ransom having been paid—was top priority, but an offensive to rescue all 54 Indians held on six different ships in the lawless African nation was being considered “unfeasible”.
The hostage crisis around Asphalt Venture has left the government surprised after pirates held seven out of 15 Indian sailors back despite the owner of the ship paying the ransom.
Defence minister A K Antony said a naval frigate INS Talwar was being moved to the area and help was also being sought from friendly navies in the region to protect the Asphalt Venture.
A top-level meeting was held on Sunday where the hostage crisis was discussed and it was decided that before embarking on any other anti-piracy plan, the lives of the seven Indian crew on the Asphalt Venture, and the eight who were released, should be saved at any cost.
Pirates are angry with India for launching massive operations in the Arabian Sea and beyond and recently capturing close to 100 of them and foiling 31 hijacking attempts. They want the release of pirates held in Indian prisons in exchange for the Indians held hostage.
As pressure is increasing on the government to launch a military offensive, as has been done by some of the other navies to secure their citizens from custody of pirates, naval sources said that it faced a different scenario.
The foremost concern in launching such an offensive is collateral damage, said sources. A military intervention would risk lives of hostages who are not Indians alone. With other nationalities involved, the government will have to take other countries into confidence.
Commandos ruled out to free Indians from ship | Somali pirates | | Indian Express