Fed: Family of Aust hostage pray as hijackers threaten killings

AAP General News (Australia)
12-27-1999
Fed: Family of Aust hostage pray as hijackers threaten killings

The family of an Australian man who is one of 160 hostages on a hijacked Indian plane
are praying for his safety after the hijackers threatened to kill passengers if their
demands aren't met.

Thirty-six year old PETER ANTHONY WARD, formerly from Melbourne, was aboard the plane
when it was hijacked by militant Kashmiris after it left the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu
on Friday.

The hijackers are demanding the freedom of Pakistani Islamic cleric Mohammed AZHAR
MASOOD, who has been held by India since 1994.

A statement from Mr WARD's family in country Victoria says they are united in their
love and concern for PETER and all the hostages.

Mr WARD is the only Australian passenger on board and he was flying home to his wife
in the Indian capital of New Delhi when taken captive.

AAP RTV dep/bm/de/kr

KEYWORD: INDIA HIJACK AUST (MELBOURNE)

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