39 Indians Abducted & Killed by ISIS, Confirms EAM Sushma Swaraj in Rajya Sabha: Politicians Mourn The Loss of Lives on Twitter

All hell broke loose in the Parliament today when Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs, announced the death of 39 Indians in Iraq. The Opposition parties left no stone unturned in making a hullaballoo around it and creating a ruckus in both, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The External Affairs Minister informed the Rajya Sabha that the 39 persons that went missing in June 2014 were kidnapped by ISIS and were reportedly dead. Clarifying on the issue of keeping the nation in the dark, Swaraj said, “I haven't kept the nation in dark. We received the final confirmation only last night. How could I have proclaimed them dead till all doubts were not cleared?"

The nation expressed their grief resorting to social media – Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram – whereas the political parties took turns in playing the blame game. However, with all the politics around the issue done and dusted, leaders across the party lines expressed their concern on the death of 39 Indians in the city of Mosul, in Iraq.

1. Anurag Thakur, Member of Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Deeply saddened by the news of 39 Indians killed in Iraq; heart goes out to victims families. Shameful tht opposition did not allow EAM @SushmaSwaraj ji to make her statement at a moment like this. Our govt hs workd tirelessly to protect Indian lives by responding to SOS calls.

— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) March 20, 2018

2. Capt. Amarinder Singh, Punjab Chief Minister.

Shattered at the heart-wrenching news from @SushmaSwaraj that the 39 Indians missing in Iraq, most of whom were Punjabis, are dead. My heart goes out to the families who had been living in hope since their reported abduction by ISIS in 2014. Prayers with all of them.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 20, 2018

3. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Member of Parliament, Indian National Congress (INC).

Tragic news of 39 Indians confirmed dead in Iraq - my thoughts and prayers with their families who’d been living in hope. Wish them strength during this difficult time.

— Jyotiraditya Scindia (@JM_Scindia) March 20, 2018

4. Rahul Gandhi, President - Indian National Congress (INC).

I’m shocked to hear that 39 Indians who were in captivity since 2014, in Iraq, are now confirmed dead.

My deepest condolences to the families of those who have lived in hope, that their loved ones will return unharmed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 20, 2018

5. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, Indian National Congress (INC).

Sad news of the confirmation of the deaths of 39 Indians in Iraq. Thoughts & prayers are w/their families. But why did the Govt give false hope to the nation for three and a half years that the people were still alive? That was disappointing behaviour.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 20, 2018

6. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

The news of death of 39 Indians kidnapped in Iraq is highly disturbing and unfortunate. My deepest condolences to the bereaved families. The country stands with them in this difficult time.

— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) March 20, 2018

7. Dr. Subramanian Swamy, Member of Parliament, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The killing in cold blood by ISIS of 39 Indians in Iraq require the Indian State's retaliation against ISIS. For this we need an anti terror compact of India, Israel, and US to search and destroy ISIS wherever they are located

— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) March 20, 2018

8. Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament, National Congress Party (NCP).

Shocked to hear the news about death of 39 Indians held hostage by ISIS since 2014. Condolences to the grieving families.

— Supriya Sule (@supriya_sule) March 20, 2018

9. Vijay Goel, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics & Program Implementation.

A day when we lost 39 Indians, the Opposition went on to create ruckus on the floor of the House. Deeply pained by this insensitive attitude of certain pol. parties. Govt. did best to gather info & worked tirelessly to ensure safety of the citizens. I pray for the departed souls.

— Vijay Goel (@VijayGoelBJP) March 20, 2018

Sushma Swaraj said General (Retd.) VK Singh, Minister of State External Affairs, will travel to Iraq to bring back the dead bodies. The bodies, on their return, will be returned to their relatives. Out of the 39 Indians killed, 27 persons belonged to Punjab, 6 from Bihar, 4 from Punjab and from West Bengal.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 20, 2018 06:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).