Punjabi Families Safely Return to Mohali After Tense Dubai Stranding Amid Middle East Conflict
A wave of relief and profound gratitude swept through Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali as several Punjabi families, who had been stranded in Dubai amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, arrived safely back on home soil. The return marked the end of a harrowing ordeal filled with uncertainty and fear, as the deteriorating situation in the Middle East left many travelers unable to depart due to disruptions and growing concerns over a wider regional conflict.
Personal Accounts of Terror and Uncertainty
Among those who returned was Dr Neeru Garg, the principal of SSD Girls College in Bathinda, who described the experience as one of the most frightening of her life. She returned with her husband, Parveen Garg, after spending several tense days in Dubai. Narrating their ordeal, Dr Garg said the atmosphere became increasingly tense as reports of missile strikes and explosions from the ongoing conflict filled the air with palpable fear.
"We are thankful to the Almighty for bringing us back safely to our native land," she expressed. "It was a horrifying experience. Until our flight finally landed in Mumbai, we remained under constant fear. We could hear and see explosions and missiles flying across the sky and destroying buildings a few kilometres away."
The fear was compounded by significant health concerns, as the family exhausted their supply of essential blood pressure medicines while stranded. "We ran out of our blood pressure medicines and there was no proper medical assistance available. Even the hotel staff had no idea where we could get medicines from. Those days were terrifying," Dr Garg recalled, highlighting the lack of support in a crisis situation.
Other Stranded Passengers and Government Response
Alongside Dr Garg and her husband, several other passengers also made it back safely, including:
- Sanjeev Sardha and Satyam Sardha from Pathankot
- Vishal and Harjot Kaur from Patiala
- Another family from Panchkula
According to Amandeep Kaur, Special Secretary of NRI Affairs, many stranded families arrived safely in Mohali. "The passengers included Dr Neeru Garg, principal of SSD Girls College, Bathinda, along with her husband, Parveen Garg. Around 9 to 10 people arrived today, and they said that there were around 22 people who boarded the flight from Dubai to Mumbai and will be arriving on other flights to Chandigarh," she stated.
To assist Punjabis stranded abroad, the NRI affairs department established a special help desk at Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali. Dr Sunny Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman of the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board, received the returning families at the airport and assured full support to those still affected.
Government Initiatives and Helpline Numbers
Dr Ahluwalia emphasized that the safety of every Indian living abroad is the responsibility of the Central Government. He urged for immediate identification and direct contact with Punjabis residing in affected regions, including Israel, Iran, Dubai, and Qatar. If necessary, their safe return should be ensured through special or chartered flights.
"The state government is ready to extend every possible support at its level," he affirmed. To assist family members, the following helpline numbers were issued:
- 0172-2260042
- 0172-2260043
- WhatsApp number: +91 9478779112
This coordinated effort underscores the commitment to safeguarding citizens amid international crises, providing a beacon of hope for those still navigating the uncertainties of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
