KUWAIT CITY, Nov 7: The Indians who were arrested for bursting firecrackers while celebrating Diwali in Salmiya on Friday have not been released yet, a reliable source from the Indian embassy told the Arab Times Sunday.

Around 18 Indians were arrested Friday from among hundreds who had gathered to celebrate Diwali in an open ground near the famous Titanic Building in Salmiya.

The source said that the embassy is trying hard to secure their release, and refused to give details on why their release is taking so long. Meanwhile, a witness to Friday’s incident said the arrests were made in the most uncivilized way. Some of his neighbors, living with their families, were arrested and have not yet been let off, he added.

There is growing apprehension among the families of the arrested if the authorities would take some extreme measures. “We rely on the embassy to interfere and help us out.”