Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has re-iterated the issue of safe and early release of Aman Kumar, a resident of village Karidyal, tehsil Jawali, district Kangra, with the Union Minister of Shipping, G.K.Vasan, who was serving as crew member with the MV ALBEDO Ship of Majestic En-rich Shipping Company of Malaysia and had been held as hostage by Somalian sea-pirates since November 20,2010.

In a letter written to G.K.Vasan, Chief Minister reminded him of the earlier correspondence made by him in this regard with him and other concerned authorities in the Government of India. He said that the 21 years old young boy had been in the custody of Somalian pirates who had hijacked the ship about 20 months ago. He said that the parents of Aman Kumar had informed him that there had not been much communication with their son except a call they received from him recently stating that he was not getting sufficient food for survival and had expressed fear for his life. He said that the father of Aman Kumar, Kewal Krishan had been running from pillar to post to seek release of his son but nothing except consolation had been received.

Prof. Dhumal urged the Union Minister for his personal intervention in the matter and get all Indians, including Aman Kumar, held hostage by the sea-pirates released immediately as the dead line of 45 days announced by the pirates would soon be over. He said that the Government of India needed to act fast and get the hostages released immediately since over 20 months time had already passed. He requested Minister for taking effective steps immediately in the matter by raising the issue at appropriate level with Union Government and their counterparts in foreign countries so that the hostages were released immediately.