Hoshiarpur:- Due to the Iran-US conflict and rising tensions in the Middle East, the Punjab government is fully alert about the safety of Punjabis stranded at various airports in the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai. Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Dr Ravjot Singh said that the state government is in constant touch with the stranded persons and is making concerted efforts to ensure their safe return to India.
Dr Ravjot Singh said that he spoke to the tourists and expatriates from Punjab stranded at Dubai and other airports in the UAE over the telephone today. He also spoke to Principal of SSD Girls College, Bathinda, Neeru Garg, specifically, to inquire about the current situation and the problems being faced there.
He said that the safety of Punjabis who have gone abroad for employment or tourism is the first priority of the state government. The Punjab government under the able leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is in constant coordination with the Central Government and the concerned Indian Embassies to ensure the safe and early return of the affected people.
In view of this critical situation, Dr. Ravjot Singh has written to the External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar, seeking an immediate meeting. He termed the escalating conflict between the US, Israel and Iran in the Middle East as very worrying and said that many Punjabi citizens living in the region may require immediate assistance and possible evacuation in the current circumstances.
He requested the External Affairs Minister to schedule an early meeting on this issue so that a coordinated action plan can be prepared at the Central and State levels to ensure the safety and safe return of the citizens of Punjab.
Assurant to the Punjabis stranded abroad and their families, Dr. Ravjot Singh said that the Punjab government stands by them in all circumstances and is taking all possible steps to ensure their safety and dignified return.