It was an emotional reunion for Telugu Professors T. Gopikrishna and Balram Kishan when they met their family members in Hyderbad on Saturday after 414 days of captivity in Libya.
The two professors, teaching in local institutions in Libya, were abducted by ISIS operatives on July 29, 2015. The duo was released from captivity on September 15.
In the early hours of Saturday, Mr. Gopikrishna and Mr. Balram Kishan arrived at the Rajiv Gandhi International airport accompanied by officials of the Ministry of External Affairs.
“We are very happy and there are no words to express my happiness at reuniting with my family. I thank the Libyan Army and also the Minister for External Affairs for our safe return to India,” Mr. Gopikrishna said.
He refused to reveal any information about his captivity. “Whatever information I had was conveyed to the Ministry of External Affairs. I have nothing more add,” he said.
Family members of Mr. Gopikrishna said it was an endless wait for them.
“We were waiting for the last 414 days and the media cooperated well with us giving us the latest information. Centre fought for our cause and ensured their release,” brother of Mr. Gopikrishna said.
Mr. Gopikrishna on his part said Libya was good country and the people were also very good and cordial. “In our workplace also, we did not face any problem,” he remarked.
