The execution of two Pakistani hostages by Iraqi militants has stunned the twin villages of upper Dehlan and Dharampur Kangar in Una district of Himachal Pradesh.

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The villages are praying hard, hoping that the same fate will not befall two of their sons -- Antaryami and Tilak Raj -- being held hostage in Iraq by a group that goes by the name 'Black Flags'.

Antaryami and Tilak Raj were kidnapped along with another Indian, Sukhdev Singh, and three others.

Tilak Raj's wife, admitted to a hospital in Una, is not aware of the latest developments. Her mother, who has come from Hoshiarpur to attend to her, is worried about her son-in-law's safety.

Ram Murti, Antaryami's father, said all that they can do now is pray.
 
He said a joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs assured the family three days ago that the government is in touch with its Iraqi counterparts and there is nothing to worry.

But the militants' action against the Pakistanis has made him nervous.

Bhago Devi, Antaryami's mother, is upset after hearing of the Pakistanis' killings.

Kusum and Jitinder Kaur, wife and sister of Antaryami, have not eaten anything after hearing the news.

The extention of the deadline by militants had brought a ray of hope for the family. Now it's back to sleepless nights.

Meanwhile an <i>akhand path</i> (prayer) for the safe return of Antaryami and Tilak Raj at the main Gurdwara in Dehlan concluded on Thursday.