Kochi: The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council on Wednesday expressed concern about the uncertainty over the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil, who was abducted by a terror group in Yemen, and requested the government to ensure his safe release.
KCBC, a permanent association of Catholic bishops in the state, urged both the Central and state governments to ensure safe release of the priest as early as possible.
"KCBC is very much concerned about prolonged uncertainty in the release of Father Tom Uzhunnalil. We request the Central and state governments to continue their sincere efforts to make possible his safe release from the captivity of militants in Yemen," an association release said after a two-day meeting of the Catholic bishops here.
Father Uzhunnalil, who hails from Kerala, was abducted in March this year by a terror group in conflict-hit Yemen. He was captured from the southern Yemeni city of Aden by gunmen who killed at least 15 people at an old people's home in an attack that was condemned by Pope Francis.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Gen V K Singh, had said last month in Kottayam that there was no "adverse" report about the Catholic priest.
