Nimisha Priya's release: Mediation team may be sent if security in Yemen is assured; action council likely to submit petition

NEW DELHI: The Save Nimishapriya International Action Council is likely to submit a memorandum to the Central Government tomorrow, demanding the appointment of a six-member team to Yemen for mediation talks for the release of Nimishapriya.

The names of Advocates KR Subhash Chandran, Kunhammed Koorachund, and advocate Hussain Sakhafi and Hamid as representatives of Kanthapuram AP Abubacker Musaliyar will be forwarded from the Action Council as representatives. Two people will also be requested as representatives of the Central Government.

The Supreme Court had given permission to approach the Center the other day. However, it is indicated that the special team will be appointed only after a comprehensive security assessment. The representatives must be ensured security in Yemen. The Centre is concerned about this. Nimishapriya is being held in a prison in Sanaa, which is under the control of the Houthis. Indians are banned from travelling to Yemen. The Ministry of External Affairs also has limitations on diplomatic interventions.

Unofficial sources say that India is continuing to seek help from Iran, which has good relations with the Houthis. It is noteworthy that Attorney General R. Venkataramani made it clear in the Supreme Court that Nimisha's family should hold talks with the family of the slain Yemeni citizen Talal Abdo Mahdi, and that he does not think that the story will change if the Action Council goes there. The final decision will be made after considering such circumstances.