Iraq crisis: Vasundhara Raje writes to Sushma Swaraj over release of stranded Indians

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje has written to the Minister for External Affairs Sushma Swaraj seeking her intervention for safe and speedy release of Indian nationals held hostage in Iraq.

In her letter on Friday, Raje expressed concern for security of the Indian workers, including some hailing from Rajasthan.

She said the families of those held hostage in Iraq were in a state of extreme anguish.

The chief minister said it was important that some assurance be given to the families for speedy and safe return of all Rajasthani workers, an official statement said on Saturday.

Iraq is grappling with violence unleashed by militants of terrorist outfit Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) who have captured key towns as also a major oil refinery.

Meanwhile, until Friday, 16 Indians stranded in the violence-hit areas of Iraq had been evacuated.

Also, of the 40 Indians being held in captivity in Mosul, one managed to escape even as the government said it was "knocking at all doors" to rescue its citizens.