India is ramping up efforts to rescue Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who is on death row in Yemen. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that it was going through diplomatic channels and had approached “friendly governments” to assist in an amicable resolution of the issue. The MEA also stated it had provided legal assistance and authorized a lawyer to defend her family.
After these interventions, Yemen has delayed its execution that was previously set for July 16. India’s Attorney General (AGI) told the Supreme Court that discussions with Yemeni officials, including the public prosecutor, are underway to stay the execution until negotiations are on.
MEA Agrees Diplomatic Efforts
The MEA stated that the government is serious about the issue. “This is a sensitive issue.”. The Government of India has been rendering every possible help,” the ministry said. It said a lawyer has been engaged to assist the family and enable communication with the Yemeni legal system.
Officials are also staying in touch with local authorities in Yemen. The intention is to purchase additional time for Nimisha Priya’s family to come to a mutual understanding with the victim’s family, a step frequently required under Yemen’s legal system to prevent capital punishment.
Execution Deferred Amid Growing Public Pressure
The original date of the execution was July 16. Yemen consented to postpone it after constant pressure from Indian authorities. Priya’s family has experienced some short-term respite as a result. Her husband welcomed the news and said he hoped that the government, lawyers, and civil society would work together to stop the execution completely.
The case has gained widespread sympathy in India, particularly in Kerala. Petitions and public campaigns have put pressure on the government to act. Religious and humanitarian figures, such as Sheikh Abubakr Ahmad, were involved, according to reports, though the MEA has stated it has no comment on his involvement at this point.
Supreme Court Also Keeping an Eye on the Case
On Monday, the Indian government reported its progress to the Supreme Court. The Attorney General informed the court that India is moving in every direction available to save Nimisha Priya. He also informed the court of talks with the Yemeni public prosecutor as an attempt to postpone or cancel the order of execution.
Test of India’s Diplomacy and Legal Support Abroad
This case is turning out to be a tough one for India’s diplomatic mettle and capacity to safeguard its citizens overseas. That Yemen acquiesced to delay the execution indicates that diplomatic initiatives are bearing fruit. With the Indian government being fully involved and legal assistance provided to the family, there is hope of a definite solution being arrived at.
India’s appeal to “friendly governments” and approach to Yemeni authorities is a multi-pronged strategy. The coming days will tell whether the efforts pay off in sending Nimisha Priya back home safely.
