Psychic increases offer

1st May 1997

By PAUL COFFEY

PSYCHIC guru Uri Geller is offering £50,000 from his personal fortune for information leading to the release of the hostages in Kashmir.
It is a £15,000 increase on his original offer of £35,000 and has been made according to Mr Geller, to “prove I am serious”.
Today, from his Berkshire home, he told the Post that he still believed the hostages – including Nottingham student Paul Wells – were alive.
And he said: “Fifty thousands pounds is a lot of money – especially in Kashmir.
“I’m hoping the reward will tempt someone to come forward with information about the hostages.”
Mr Geller, 50, who earlier this month won the support of Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind in efforts to help free the hostages, also said he would be willing to speak to the men’s kidnappers.
“I will listen to them and take their message to any world leader,” he added.
He remains optimistic the four are still alive and says this comes from speaking to the parents of Paul and fellow Briton Keith Mangan.
Mr Geller said: “Parents have strong telepathy with their children.”

“I have spoken to the parents and they feel sure in their hearts that the hostages are alive.”
Vivian Wilkinson, from the Hostages in Kashmir Campaign, said today: “Uri’s offer is incredible.”
“We were lost for words when he told us about it.”
“Paul’s and Keith’s families are both delighted with his support; he has gone out of his way to help us.”
Paul’s dad Bob Wells is still in Kashmir trying to find out about his son who has been missing almost two years.