AUCKLAND The head of Aucklands World Youth Day committee has made a plea for the 39 Indian pilgrims who have gone missing apparently in an attempt to stay in New Zealand permanently to present themselves to authorities. About 220 Indians came to New Zealand as part of Days in the Diocese, a pre-World Youth Day event that gives pilgrims a chance to spend time with Catholic families and acclimatise to the host countrys culture. For the first time, Days in the Diocese was extended beyond the host nation, with Sydneys organisers asking New Zealand to be included.

Over a period of days, though, a total of 39 Indians went missing in what appears to be an orchestrated attempt to stay in New Zealand. They did not show up at Auckland International Airport to catch their flights to Sydney for World Youth Day.

Maurice Boland, chairman of the Auckland World Youth Day committee, said the groups actions have caused considerable anguish to their families, their faith, their country, and have imposed an added burden to authorities in New Zealand, Australia and India.

He said the Church was working with immigration officials in an effort to resolve this unfortunate situation.

On behalf of all the generous people involved in World Youth Day, we make a sincere appeal to the 39 missing to present themselves to the authorities, Mr Boland said.

As you know, you were warmly welcomed to New Zealand and that welcome still exists. However, every day you continue with your fruitless pretence of staying in our country is a further day closer to when your temporary stay will turn from being legal to being entirely illegal.

The last of the Indians World Youth Day pilgrims left Auckland on Tuesday. Mr Boland said there were emotional scenes as new friends were bid farewell, but speaking to the missing pilgrims, said you . . . were left behind depriving yourselves of sharing this wonderful event, along with your countrymen and many other nationalities.

Use your God-given free will, ignore those who have not acted in your best interests, and we pray for your safe and secure return as soon as possible, he said.