Veterans Urge Diplomatic Resolution for Colleague’s Return from Qatar

In December 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal modified death sentences for eight Indian naval veterans, leading to varying prison terms. Two of the veterans, now in India, are advocating for their colleague Commander Purnendu Tiwari’s return from Qatar, where he remains under a travel ban. Their appeal coincided with the Amir of Qatar’s visit to India, further emphasizing the need for diplomatic intervention on this issue.

In December 2023, Qatar’s Court of Appeal reduced the death sentences for eight Indian naval veterans, imposing varying prison terms of three to 25 years. Among the freed, two veterans, Captain Navtej Gill and Commander Sanjeev Gupta, called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani to facilitate the return of Commander Purnendu Tiwari, who remains in Qatar due to a travel ban.

The appeal coincides with Amir Al-Thani’s two-day state visit to India. The group of veterans, released after 17 months of captivity, expressed a desire for a swift resolution to support Tiwari in reuniting with his family. Gupta and Pakala highlighted that a year has elapsed since the release, yet Tiwari remains stranded.

The eight personnel were employed by Al Dahra Global Technologies and faced undefined charges since August 2022, culminating in their convictions. Notably, Captain Gill has received the President’s gold medal for his naval excellence, while Tiwari had been honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, showcasing their remarkable military careers.

Commander Gupta, reflecting on the harrowing ordeal, described it as “horrendous” and recounted the intense emotional strain he experienced during his confinement in Qatar. He spent considerable time engaging in meditation and reading during his lengthy detention, which ultimately spanned 531 days.

The plight of Commander Purnendu Tiwari, one of the eight Indian naval veterans still detained in Qatar, underscores the need for urgent diplomatic intervention. The appeal to the leaders of India and Qatar reflects the veterans’ hope for resolution and family reunion. The veterans’ experiences highlight both their commendable military achievements and the struggles faced during their unjust imprisonment.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com