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Punjab to conduct DNA tests on families of those held hostage by ISIS

In a fresh attempt made to bring back the 23 people belonging to Punjab who have been held hostage by…

Punjab to conduct DNA tests on families of those held hostage by ISIS

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh (Photo: Facebook)

In a fresh attempt made to bring back the 23 people belonging to Punjab who have been held hostage by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in last three years, the state government has decided to conduct DNA tests of their family members.

Punjab chief minister on Friday disclosed details on the matter on a query raised by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislator Kultar Singh Sandhwan.

The CM informed the House that a list of 23 out of 39 people, belonging to the state have been held hostage in Iraq, has been provided to the Union Ministry of External Affairs.

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“The state government is constantly making efforts in co-ordination with MEA to bring 23 persons back to the state,” said the CM. Similarly, the state medical education and research minister, Brahm Mohindra made it clear that the process of conducting DNA tests of all families of the 23 people have been completed.

In a recent written communication, the Ministery of External Affairs has asked the state authorities to provide blood samples of three close blood relatives, such as biological parents, brothers or sisters of the 23 persons.

The state government has also been asked to send the DNA test report to Iraqi authorities in Baghdad. It has been made clear that the samples are to be accompanied by duly filled in and certified prescribed forms in the same manner as earlier received from the Government of Iraq.

Adding to it, the information in respect of the missing persons on attributes such as personal information, physical description, medical and dental information and other necessary information pertaining to disappearance of the victim, personal information of the informer, and information about the witness and collector of the DNA sample has been desired.

On the other hand, AAP legislator Kultar Singh Sandhwan told The Statesman the families of 23 missing people have been awaiting their return since a long time but the state government is not pushing the case effectively.

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