The JRS confirmed that on Monday afternoon its country director, Alexis Prem Kumar, was abducted by a group of unidentified men in western Afghanistan.
"We are deeply shocked by Prem's abduction. We are in contact with all the relevant authorities and doing everything possible to ensure his safe and speedy return. Meanwhile, our prayers are with Prem and his family and friends at this difficult time," said JRS' international director, Peter Balleis, SJ.
Before moving to Afghanistan four years ago, Prem Kumar had worked for the JRS, serving Sri Lankan refugees living in Tamil Nadu. He is presently the JRS Afghanistan' director, the JRS said.
JRS has been working in Afghanistan since 2005 accompanying returnees home from exile in Iran and Pakistan and providing education and healthcare services in Bamiyan, Kabul and Herat. In 2013, more than 6,000 vulnerable people from disadvantaged communities benefitted from these services.
In order to facilitate the rapid and safe return of Prem Kumar, the JRS will not be making further statements on the situation for the moment, it said in a statement.
