The government on Sunday night said negotiator for Iraqi abductors Sheikh Hisham Al-Dulaimi and representatives of Kuwaiti transport company KGL, employer of the three Indian hostages, established contact in the forenoon today.
"We have received reports of contacts between Dulaimi and KGL representatives in the forenoon today. We understand that the company is awaiting further word from Dulaimi," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.
The government also made it clear that the reference to an appeal by Indian film stars for release of the captives did not apparently have any connection with the events.
The statement was issued after a marathon six-hour meeting of the Crisis Management Group headed by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed.
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Asked about fresh demand being put forward by the abductors for release of three Indian truck drivers --
Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh, official sources said the government has not been informed about the new demand.
"Negotiations took place last night and talks are continuing today," they said.
Asked about Dulaimi's demand that Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra or Asha Parekh should make an appeal for the release of the capitives, the sources said, "This reference to Indian film stars (by Dulaimi) was made in an interview four to five days back and does not appear to have any connection with the events of today."
To a question about the transport company maintaining that it has done enough, they said, "KGL was continuing with the negotiations and they have not pulled out."
The ministry statement, in an apparent reference to the media, said "As soon as we have details, we shall inform you. We have to remain patient."
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