New Delhi, November 21
Kidnappers of the Indian national in Afghanistan, Mr M R Kutty, have not contacted either the Government of India or the Afghan government since the incident took place 48 hours ago, top sources in South Block told The Tribune tonight.

The Indian government does not even know whether the Taliban has carried out the kidnapping of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) driver or whether some criminal elements are behind it

Asked about the reported 48-hour deadline given yesterday by the kidnappers, the sources said there was no question of the government being aware of any deadline when it did not even know who the kidnappers were, why they had kidnapped the BRO driver and what were their demands. The kidnappers have reportedly threatened to behead the Indian if his employers — the BRO — do not leave Afghanistan immediately.

In response to another question whether a team or a special envoy is being sent to Afghanistan to negotiate with the kidnappers, sources told this correspondent that this would certainly be done but it could be done only after the kidnappers were to establish contact.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh this morning about the kidnapping. National Security Adviser M K Narayanan was also present at the briefing.

The Prime Minister directed that all efforts be made not only to seek the safe return of the kidnapped Indian national in Afghanistan, but also to ensure the safety of all Indian nationals currently deployed in Afghanistan on various projects. He directed the officials concerned to remain in close touch with the Afghan authorities on the issue.

The Cabinet Secretary has set up a group comprising officials from the Ministries of Home and External Affairs and security agencies to monitor developments in this regard on a regular basis. The BRO is extending all possible support to the family of Mr Kutty.

Foreign Office spokesman Navtej Sarna read out a brief statement on the kidnapping this evening and said soon after the incident an unidentified caller claimed that the kidnapping had been carried out by the Taliban.