India’s envoy to Palestine died of natural causes: MEA

New Delhi, March 8 (UNI) The Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday dismissed some “irresponsible comments” on the death of India’s envoy in Palestine, Mukul Arya, and said he died of natural causes. The MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in a short statement, also urged that the young diplomat’s demise be treated with decency and respect. “We have seen some irresponsible comments on the passing away of Shri Mukul Arya, Representative of India in Ramallah. “He died of natural causes. We urge that the tragic demise of a young diplomat be treated with decency and respect,” the statement said. Mukul Arya, India’s Representative to Ramallah, an IFS officer of the 2008 batch, was found dead inside the embassy premises in the Palestinian city of Ramallah on Sunday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had expressed shock at the young diplomat’s passing away. “He was a bright and talented officer with so much before him. “My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Om Shanti.” On Monday, the MEA had expressed shock at the sudden demise of Arya, and said his death will leave a void. “We are deeply shocked at the sudden demise of Shri Mukul Arya, India’s Representative at Ramallah. A young and dedicated officer, his passing away will leave a void. Heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Ministry to his family members. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. @MEAIndia will extend all possible support to them.” Arya had presented his credentials to President Mahmoud Abbas on June 16, last year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Palestine in a press statement said they received with “great astonishment and shock the news of the death of the Ambassador of the Republic of India to the State of Palestine, Mukul Arya”. The Palestinian government had ordered a probe into the cause of death.