Stuck in West Asia, Odias seek govt help for evacuation

Bhubaneswar: Amid more explosions across Gulf states, members of Odia Samaj in UAE and Bahrain have sought the intervention of the Indian govt for the safety of Odias either staying or working there.Members of Odia Samaj in UAE, led by its president Amiya Mishra, held a virtual meeting with the consulate-general of India over the safety of Odias present in Dubai on Monday. Officials of Odisha Paribar Directorate also spoke to Mishra, who assured that the whereabouts of all Odias in Dubai were located and all were safe. Those working in the country either shifted to work-from-home mode or holidays were declared for migrant labourers at their work sites.

The ministry of external affairs created an evacuation group on WhatsApp for all Indian nationals, and any Odia who wants to be evacuated has to register in the group, they said. The MEA also issued a 24-hour toll-free helpline (800-46342) and a hotline (+971-543090571) for those seeking assistance.Similarly, authorities in the resident commissioner of Odisha office said they were also in touch with the ministry of external affairs over the safety of Odia people.

The situation is being closely monitored, they added.Founder chairman of Bahrain Odia Samaj and Global Odia Diaspora Arun Praharaj made an urgent appeal to the govts of India and Odisha to prepare for a potential large-scale evacuation of Odia expatriates.“While the Bahrain Defence Force successfully intercepted a majority of the incoming missiles and drones, the resulting debris caused significant damage to residential buildings and key industrial sites.

The persistent sound of missile air raid sirens and the impact of interceptions created an atmosphere of fear here. With regional airspace currently closed, the expatriate community, particularly the large Indian and Odia populations, feels increasingly vulnerable,” he said.In a significant humanitarian gesture, Praharaj shifted eight Odia families and a Tamil medical student from Juffair to his residence on Saturday after the US Navy base in the area came under attack.In the evening, the state govt convened a high-level meeting to assess the safety and security of Odias residing in West Asia. The meeting was chaired by chief secretary Anu Garg following directions from chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi.Officials discussed precautionary measures and mechanisms to ensure timely assistance to expatriates from the state. Garg advised all departments to closely monitor developments and remain prepared to take swift action, if required.