Relief for Indian hostage families

Antaryami's family cannot believe the news

Relatives of three Indian lorry drivers freed unharmed by kidnappers in Iraq say weeks of prayers have been answered.

The men were seized in July along with three Kenyans and an Egyptian working for the same Kuwaiti employer.

News the day before that 12 Nepalese hostages had been killed contributed to their anxiety.

Ram Murti Bains, father of freed Indian hostage Antaryami, said he had heard of his son's release late on Wednesday afternoon at his home in Una district in northern Himachal Pradesh state.

My prayers and fasting calls have been answered at last Bhago Devi Mother of Antaryami South Asia's 'agents of doom'

"The entire family is glued to the television set to watch pictures of the hostages," an overjoyed Mr Bains told the BBC's Baldev Chauhan.

"I would like to thank all of you [in the media] and others concerned who have been of help all these days."

Reception plans

Pictures on Indian television have shown the three former hostages looking calm and smiling while they give interviews to reporters.

Antaryami's mother, Bhago Devi, said: "My prayers and fasting calls have been answered at last.

When we heard about the Nepalis, everyone was very sad. This day passed with such heartbreak Paramjeet Singh Sister-in-law of Sukhdev Singh

"Once he's here I shall perform puja [prayers] in honour of the Gods."

India's government has been in touch with the men and says they are all well.

But it remains unclear when the three drivers, who are back in the safe custody of their employer, will return to India.

The authorities in Una say they plan homecoming celebrations for Antaryami and another freed hostage, Tilak Raj, who also comes from the district.

"The state government will also give a befitting reception for the boys," a district official told the AFP news agency.

'Re-born'

In neighbouring Punjab, home state of the third hostage, Sukhdev Singh, there have been similar celebrations.

Sukdev Singh's parents pictured after his capture

"It is as if we have been given a new lease of life," his tearful mother, Harpaul Kaur, told Reuters news agency.

"I didn't think he was coming back."

Sukhdev's father said: "I cannot thank God enough.

"We are re-born along with him."

His sister-in-law, Paramjeet Singh, said the last few days had been very hard.

"When we heard about the Nepalis, everyone was very sad. This day passed with such heartbreak."