New Delhi: Efforts to end the 18-day-old hostage crisis involving three Indians in Iraq hit a roadblock today (Aug 8, 2004) with their abductors making a last-minute fresh demand, described as "pressure tactics" by the Kuwaiti company employing the captives.

The Government in New Delhi, however, said it has not been informed of the new demand and that Kuwait and Gulf Transport Company (KGL) has not pulled out of the negotiations and was continuing talks with Sheikh Hisham al-Dulaimi, the Iraqi negotiator for the abductors.

"Till last night everything was going fine. We were expecting to receive the hostages but the abductors changed their mind at the last minute and put in a new demand," Rana Abu-Zaineh, KGL spokesperson, said from Kuwait. She, however, declined to spell out the demand but maintained that it did not concern the company.

The spokesperson replied in the affirmative when asked if it was a setback to the efforts to free the captives held along with three Kenyans and one Egyptian since July 21.

She said the fresh demand was pressure tactics being used by the kidnappers of Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh "as they have realised we will do anything to see our employees freed". Rana also said that Dulaimi wants superstar Amitabh Bachchan or actress of yesteryears Asha Parekh to make an appeal to facilitate the release of the captives. Reacting to this, Bachchan said he was ready to do that a hundred times but before that he should get an official intimation in this regard. Parekh also expressed similar sentiments.

After a six-hour meeting of the Crisis Management Group (CMG) headed by Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed, a brief official statement made no mention of either the new demand or the talks having suffered a setback.

"We have received reports of contacts between Sheikh Dulaimi and KGL representatives in the forenoon today. We understand that the company is awaiting further word from Dulaimi. As soon as we have details, we shall inform you. We have to remain patient," the four-line statement said.

Official sources said, "KGL is continuing with the negotiations and they have not pulled out."

Asked about fresh demand being put forward by the kidnappers calling themselves 'Islamic Secret Army--Holders of Black Banners', the sources said the Government has not been informed about the new demand.

On the demand that Bachchan, Dharmendra and Parekh should make an appeal, they said "this reference to Indian film stars (by Dulaimi) was made in an interview four to five days back and does not appear to have any connection with the events of today."

Hopes were raised last night about the release of the hostages with the Government saying the way has "reportedly" been cleared for the purpose after direct talks between Dulaimi and KGL representatives.