Bhubaneswar, BJD chief Naveen Patnaik on Monday urged the Center to take immediate steps for the safe evacuation of Odias stranded in West Asia due to disruption in air connectivity amid the escalating conflict.
Patnaik, who has been Odisha Chief Minister five times, said the quick action will not only protect lives but will also reassure countless families back home who are waiting to hear news about the safety of their loved ones.
Although the exact number of Odia people stranded in Iran and other major Gulf countries has not been assessed yet, Odia non-residents in Dubai, Doha and Manama have contacted their families and informed them of their safety, despite the tense situation, an official said.
“The escalating conflict in the Middle East has left many people from Odisha, including migrant workers, professionals, students and tourists, stranded. With air connectivity cut off, many people are facing extreme uncertainty,” the opposition leader said in a post on X.
He said their safety and well-being are at risk and they are looking to the nation for urgent support.
“We request the government of India to take immediate steps to ensure the safe evacuation and return of all Odia residents caught in the crossfire,” Patnaik said.
With flight services disrupted due to military escalation in West Asia, hundreds of Indians are stranded in Dubai, Doha and other major airports, with many of them taking to social media to appeal to the Indian government for help.
In the past, India succeeded in evacuating thousands of Indians from different parts of the world, including West Asia, amid conflicts.
Indigo operates flights between Bhubaneswar and Dubai three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Earlier in the day, Bhubaneswar Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan said the airline had canceled its Dubai-bound IndiGo flight and passengers had been informed in advance. About 120 passengers were booked for Monday’s flight.
Pradhan said that no decision has been taken yet regarding subsequent flights to Dubai.
The situation in West Asia has become dangerous following the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel and the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran responded to the attack by launching drones and missiles at Israel and American military installations across the Gulf, as well as at the World Business Center in Dubai.
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