Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs , Vayalar Ravi said that Union Government is taking all possible measures to ensure the safe release of Indian National who was kidnapped and held hostage by a militant group in Afghanistan. Simon Paramanandam , 38, of Tamil Nadu was abducted by a Afghan based militant group in Herath Province two months ago. "We are negotiating the release of the hostage with the militant group behind the kidnapping". The Indian Embassy in Kabul is also actively engaged in negotiating the release of the hostage. The militant group has asked for a ransom of $50,000. The Chief Minister M karunanidhi has also expressed his deep concern.