:dateline:The ongoing conflict in Iraq and Syria has disrupted the life of not only different Muslim communities, but also those of other religious and ethnic backgrounds.� There have been reports that Jews and Christians have been targeted, however the plight of the Punjabi and Sikh community has been largely ignored by International media.
In a Tweet, Syed Akbaruddin, Official Spokesperson, Minister of External Affairs, India, acknowledged that 40 Punjabis have been�untraceable since Mosul was taken over by ISIS.� It is believed that the ISIS terrorist group kidnapped at least 40 Punjabis who have not contacted their families since then.
No action has yet been taken by the Indian Government to protect the lives of the Punjabis stuck in Iraq. �The Prime Minister Office of India has not yet disclosed any plan to intervene in Iraq situation to safeguard its people there.
ISIS, which stands for Islamic States in Iraq and Syria, is an unrecognized state and active Jihadist militant group in Iraq and Syria. In its unrecognized self-proclaimed status as an independent state, it claims the territory of Iraq and Syria, with implied future claims intended over more of the Levant�including Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus and Southern Turkey.
Syed Akbaruddin confirmed that the Indian Embassy in Baghdad is in regular touch with Indian nationals and advising them.� A 24 hour control room has also been set up in Middle East, and seasoned diplomat, Suresh Reddy, might be flying out to Baghdad soon.
