New Delhi: Government tonight (Aug 31, 2004) said the three Indians held hostage in Iraq since July 21 were safe and in good health and "serious efforts" were on to secure their early release.

"We have every reason to believe that the Indian hostages are safe and in good health," External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told in response to a question in the wake of killing of 12 Nepalese hostages by an Iraqi militant group.

He said, "Serious efforts are continuing to secure the early release" of the Indian hostages - Antaryami, Tilak Raj and Sukhdeo Singh.

The drivers of a Kuwaiti transport company KGL (Kuwait and Gulf Link) are being held captive along with three Kenyans and an Egyptian by 'Islamic Secret Army - Holders of Black Banners'.

The militant group had on Thursday last announced that it would free the hostages if KGL stopped its operations in Iraq, a demand, which was immediately heeded to by the company.