Odisha Government Mobilizes Efforts for Stranded Citizens in West Asia
In response to the escalating conflict in West Asia following recent US-Israel strikes on Iran, the Odisha government has initiated urgent measures to ensure the safety and return of its citizens stranded in the volatile region. State Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan announced on Sunday that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is actively engaged in high-level discussions with the central government to coordinate evacuation efforts.
Direct Communication with External Affairs Ministry
The central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have placed special emphasis on the safe evacuation of all Indians, including Odias, who find themselves trapped in West Asia amidst the ongoing military strikes, Minister Harichandan stated during a media briefing in Bhubaneswar. He further elaborated that Chief Minister Majhi has already established direct communication channels with the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite the repatriation process.
"Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has already spoken to the ministry of external affairs about bringing back stranded Odias and, like previous such emergencies, all steps would be taken to ensure that no Odia is trapped in the West Asia unrest," Harichandan affirmed, highlighting the state's commitment to leveraging past emergency protocols.
Uncertain Numbers but Heightened Concerns
While the precise count of Odias residing and currently stranded in Iran and key Gulf nations remains undetermined, reports from non-resident Odias (NROs) in Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), and Manama (Bahrain) indicate a growing sense of anxiety despite efforts to maintain normalcy. The region has witnessed drone and missile attacks targeting strategic locations, including airports in Dubai, Doha, and Manama, with explosions reported in multiple cities.
Sudhashree Dash, an NRO based in Dubai, described the situation: "In Dubai, the attacks were on strategic locations. While we heard a few loud explosions and there were reports of debris in some parts of the city, daily life continues as usual. Overall, things were normal but, of course, there is a sense of concern."
Ground Reports from Affected Areas
Another non-resident Odia, Biswajit Mallik, who works at an IT firm and resides near Jebel Ali port—a site hit by debris from an intercepted missile on Saturday—provided additional insight. He confirmed that several rounds of attacks had been intercepted, and timely government advisories played a crucial role in keeping the situation under control. Mallik's account underscores the precarious balance between ongoing hostilities and managed responses in urban centers.
The broader geopolitical context includes recent statements from the UAE urging Iran to "go back to your senses" following attacks on Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Kuwait, further complicating the security landscape. With eight fatalities reported in Israel due to Iran's missile attacks and continued strikes in the Gulf, the urgency for evacuation has intensified.
Coordinated Response and Future Steps
The Odisha government's proactive stance involves:
- Continuous dialogue with central authorities to monitor the evolving crisis.
- Utilizing established emergency frameworks to facilitate the safe return of stranded individuals.
- Addressing the logistical and diplomatic challenges posed by the conflict's spread across multiple nations.
As tensions persist, the focus remains on ensuring that no citizen from Odisha is left vulnerable in the unrest, with both state and central governments aligning their efforts to navigate this complex international scenario.
