Indian Priest ISIS Abduction: India Reaches Out To Saudi Arabia As Tom Uzhunnalil Says He’s Being Ignored Because He’s Not European

India has said it has reached out to Saudi Arabia in its efforts to try and secure the release of an Indian priest who was abducted in Yemen by suspected Islamic State (ISIS) operatives in March. In a video spread across social media over the weekend, Father Tom Uzhunnalil was seen pleading for help from Pope Francis and the Indian government.

Uzhunnalil, also known as Tommy George, also claimed that his nationality was the primary reason why he had not yet been rescued. The date the video was shot remains unknown but while its authenticity has not been independently verified, relatives have confirmed it was the captured priest, reports The Times of India.

Uzhunnalil, from the Indian state of Kerala, was in Yemen working at a care home operated by the Missionaries of Charity in the port city of Aden when it was attacked by suspected ISIS militants March 4, killing 16 people. Yemen has been ravaged by a war between the government, supported by Saudi Arabia, and the rebel Houthis, allegedly backed by Iran. The conflict, which has raged since early last year, has so far cost the lives of more than 7,000 people.

Following the circulation of the video showing Uzhunnalil, India claimed that it was doing everything it can to secure his release.

"With regard to the safe release of Father Tom who was abducted some months ago, we have been in regular touch with countries in the region, especially Saudi Arabia as also the local Yemeni authorities,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. “Efforts continue in this regard."

Uzhunnalil, though, said in the video that he may already be home if he had been a different nationality.

“If I were a European priest, I would have been taken more seriously and would have got me released,” he said. “I am from India. I am perhaps not considered as of much value.”

“My captors have made many contacts with the Government of India to get me released. I am very sad that nothing has been done seriously in my regard.

“Dear Pope Francis, dear Holy Father, as a father please take care of my life. I am very much depressed. My health is deteriorating. I may need hospitalization soon.”

Reports earlier this year claimed that Uzhunnalil was set to be executed on Good Friday. While it said it couldn’t verify the authenticity of the video or its content, the catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) has said that it believes the priest is still very much alive and that his life being fought for.

"Even if it is authentic, whatever he is saying is under duress,” Joseph Chinnayyan, deputy secretary general of the CBCI said. “We are certain that he is still in captivity and efforts are on to free him.”