NewKerala.com

Naveen Patnaik Urges Centre for Safe Evacuation of Odias Stranded in Middle East

BJD President Naveen Patnaik has appealed to the Government of India for the immediate and safe evacuation of people from Odisha stranded in the Middle East due to escalating conflict. His statement on X highlighted the plight of migrant workers, students, and professionals facing uncertainty from disrupted air links. The appeal follows similar concerns raised by AIADMK MP I S Inbadurai for the safety of Indians, particularly Tamils, in the region. Union and state ministers have assured that evacuation efforts led by the MEA are actively underway and on schedule.

Key Points: Naveen Patnaik Urges Safe Evacuation of Odias in Middle East

  • Naveen Patnaik urges evacuation of Odias
  • AIADMK MP raises safety concerns for Tamils
  • Centre says rescue efforts are underway
  • MEA coordinating through missions abroad
  • Conflict disrupts air connectivity
3 min read

Naveen Patnaik urges centre to ensure safe evacuation of Odias stranded in Middle East

BJD's Naveen Patnaik urges GOI to evacuate Odias stranded in Middle East conflict. AIADMK MPs also raise concerns for Tamil safety.

"Request the Government of India to take immediate steps to ensure the safe evacuation and return of all Odias caught in this crossfire. - Naveen Patnaik"

Bhubaneswar, March 2

Amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik on Monday urged the Government of India to take immediate steps to ensure the safe evacuation of people from Odisha stranded in the region.

In a statement, Patnaik said on X, "The escalating conflict in the Middle East has left many people from Odisha including migrant workers, professionals, students, tourists stranded. With disruption of air connectivity many people are facing grave uncertainty. Their safety and well-being are at risk, and they look to the nation for urgent support."

"Request the Government of India (@DrSJaishankar) to take immediate steps to ensure the safe evacuation and return of all Odias caught in this crossfire. Swift action will not only protect lives but also reassure countless families back home who are anxiously awaiting to hear about the wellbeing of their loved ones", he added.

Earlier in the day, AIADMK MP I S Inbadurai wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), expressing concern over the evolving situation in parts of the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and urging the government to take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of Indians living in the region.

In a letter addressed to the External Affairs Minister, Inbadurai highlighted the concerns of families in Tamil Nadu, particularly following a request made by AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, who had urged the Centre to ensure the safety of Indians, especially Tamils, residing in Middle Eastern countries.

"I write to you with deep concern over the tense and evolving situation prevailing in parts of the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates. In this context, the request made by our party's General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, urging the safety of Indians and particularly Tamils residing in the region, reflects the genuine concern of lakhs of families in Tamil Nadu," Inbadurai wrote.

Earlier, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the centre is taking steps to ensure the safety of Indian nationals caught in the middle of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

Kiren Rijiju, while speaking to the media, said, "The government works promptly under the leadership of PM Modi to rescue in such situations. The previous governments did not offer such comprehensive aid, which is now managed by the Ministry of External Affairs through its missions in various countries.

"Odisha Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, also, while speaking to ANI on the West Asia conflict, said the government has planned everything, and the evacuation process is on schedule.

"The Prime Minister and specifically the Ministry of External Affairs is making an all-around effort to evacuate Indian citizens. The government has planned, and everything is on schedule. Not a single person will be left behind," Harichandan said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Good to see leaders from Odisha and Tamil Nadu speaking up for their people. At the end of the day, we are all Indians abroad. The MEA has experience in evacuations from Ukraine and Sudan. I trust they will handle this too. Safety first!
S
Sarah B
While the urgency is understood, I hope the coordination is better this time. During previous evacuations, there were complaints about communication gaps and delays in registering people. The government should have a real-time portal for families to check status.
A
Aman W
Our migrant workers send back precious foreign exchange. It's our duty to protect them in times of crisis. Proud of our external affairs ministry. They have brought back Indians from impossible situations before. 🙏
K
Karthik V
The situation is tense. Airspace closures are a major problem. Hope our embassies are in touch with every Indian citizen, not just from Odisha or Tamil Nadu, but from all states. Let's not make this a regional issue.
M
Meera T
My prayers are with all the brothers and sisters stuck there. It's heartbreaking to think of the fear and uncertainty. Please, government, bring them home safely. Their families are waiting.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50