New Delhi: Efforts to secure release of three abducted Indians in Iraq gained momentum today (Aug 6, 2004) with representative of the company employing them holding face-to-face talks with the abductors' negotiator Sheikh Hisham al-Dulaimi.

The crucial meeting between Dulaimi and the unidentified representative of Kuwait and Gulf Link (KGL) transport company at an undisclosed place was part of the "wrapping up" of the negotiations, sources told.

Details of the meeting were not available, with the sources saying it could damage the efforts, which were at a "sensitive stage".

KGL spokesperson Rana Abu-Zaineh refused to comment on the meeting but expressed optimism that the hostages - Tilak Raj, Antaryami and Sukhdeo Singh would be freed soon by the Iraqi militant group 'Islamic Secret Army - Holders of Black Banners'.

"I can only confirm that something is cooking," she said over phone from Kuwait.

"You may hear the good news very soon," she added.

The Crisis Management Group, presided over by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, held two rounds of meeting today to take stock of the situation and will meet again tomorrow morning (Aug 7, 2004).