NEW DELHI: Delhi Archbishop Anil J T Couto today met Father Alexis Prem Kumar and his family members and expressed joy over his safe return to India, eight months after he was kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Couto also met some officials of the Union Ministry here and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for securing the priest's safe release.
"We are very glad that Father Prem Kumar has returned to our country safe and sound. First and foremost we thank God. We appreciate and thank the role played by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian government in securing his safe release.
"We also thank all the officials who coordinated and worked day and night for the same. We thank all the people who prayed for Father Prem Kumar and his release, the Archbishop said, during his meeting with the priest at a private hotel here.
Couto also wished that Kumar would recover soon from the trauma and pain and "would be able able to serve people entrusted to his care with renewed commitment and enthusiasm."
The announcement of the release of the 47-year-old private aid worker was made by the Prime Minister on Sunday through Twitter.
Kumar, who hails from Tamil Nadu, was working for a educational charity, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), in Afghanistan for three years. He was kidnapped by the Taliban on June 2, 2014.
The government had initiated efforts at the highest level for securing his release.