A soulful request.

The following Indian ex-Naval personnel have been languishing in a jail in Qatar for suspected anti-national work. They are :-

* Cdr Purnendu Tiwari (Managing Director)

* Capt Navtej Singh Gill (Director Naval Training)

* Capt Birender Kumar Verma (Director Naval Academy)

* Capt Saurabh Vashisht (Director Equipment & Maintenance)

* Cdr Sugunakar Pakala (Director FCN)

* Cdr Amit Nagpal (Director)

* Cdr Sanjeev Gupta (Dy Director T&S)

* Mr Ragesh (Sailor and Co-ordinator)

The Government of India is in discussions with the Qatari government for their release. Meanwhile, reproduced below is the soulful appeal from Mrs Aman Gill, wife of Captain Navtej Singh Gill.

We, Indians always remain grateful to the Indian Government for all support as always provided.

(a) I, Aman Gill, am wife of Capt Navtej Singh Gill (ex-Indian Navy) who is working in Doha, Qatar since 2016. I also come from a defence background and my father Col GR Singh(Retd) ex-Corps of Signals and my father-in-law Brig NT Singh (Retd) ex-Corps of Signals who was Commandant 2STC Goa have all served the country.

(b) I beg to take the liberty and respectfully submit and bring to your kind attention that my husband Capt Navtej Singh Gill is working with Dahra Global Technologies & Consultancy Services at Doha, Qatar since 08 Jun 2016. Please note that the Government of India runs re-employment  program to train Navies of friendly countries under a signed MoU in 2019 and such employment is in line with the policy of the country.

(c) The company is well reported on the website by both, Dr Deepak Mittal, present Ambassador and Mr P Kumaran, the previous Ambassador.

(d) From 30 Aug 2022, I was not being able to get him on WhatsApp or any other mode of communication and there was no contact by him with anyone in the family. On discussing with his office, we came to know that six directors of the company of which he is one, along with the CEO and MD were picked up by the Ministry of Interior (State Security Bureau) of Qatar. They are Indian Navy veterans. Since the 30th Aug, there has been no contact between the officers and their families.

(e) Our gratitude that on intervention from your office and the embassy, a brief telephonic contact on 30 Sep 2022 was given and consular access given of 03 Oct 2022, which in fact should have been agreed to by the Qatari authorities immediately after they were taken in custody. After that consular access has been pending.

(f) Sir, my husband Capt Navtej Singh Gill who was distinguished by Sword of Honour while in the IN. He, along with other ex-Naval Officers are now confined in small solitary cells for more than 57 days and under extreme danger to their lives. He has indicated that he has done nothing wrong. Thus, the matter needs to be taken at the national level between both the countries to ensure release of our esteemed officers without any further delay; it will be appreciated.

(g) Further, my husband was brought on 05 Oct 2022 with four escorts. He was made to pack a bag and then taken back without being allowed to speak to me. In a scale of condition where 10 is for best health, he is looking 3 and seemed to have lost a tremendous amount of weight, signifying that he is being put under severe mental torture.

(h) My mother-in-law, who is 83 years, is in a high state of anxiety. Also, wives and the families of all officers are in traumatic distress.

My take

Since it's known that the allegations are false, Qatar must release the personnel forthwith and tender an unconditional apology to India.

Courtesy. What'sApp

Tailpiece.

Was up by 6, the chores and saw off Salini and Lakshmi to their schools. We set off by a half past 9, reached Mallan's Dental Clinic by a trifle after 11. The three-week-old-stitches were removed and sh will be under observation for three months.

Met my doctor and the remaining medicines were collected. Went to the INCS, had a snack at the cafe there, picked up grocery and set off on our return trip. However, there was a traffic block for almost an hour at Angamali. Eventually reached The Quarterdeck by 1900 hrs. Opened up the house, sorted out each and every item and stowed them in appropriate places.

Kittu was given his supper.