New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS): Parliamentary Affairs Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu Monday said an Indian national might be among the hostages being held by a gunman in a Sydney cafe.

The minister, however, added that there was no confirmation of the report.

Several people have been taken hostage at a popular cafe in Sydney in Australia by a gunman leading to evacuation of important buildings, including the Indian consulate which is located barely 400 metres away.

"There is information that one Indian is being held (as hostage) in Australia. The external affairs minister is keeping in touch with the Indian embassy there. Whatever steps were to be taken have been taken," Naidu told media outside parliament here.

He later said that "nothing is confirmed about if any citizen of our country is in there or not".

"Information says people who were held hostage are safe. It's a sensitive matter. I request people to show restraint," he added.

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