Odisha Chief Calls for Urgent Evacuation of Citizens Amid Middle East Conflict
As tensions rise in the Middle East, Odisha's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has called on the Indian government to take immediate action to evacuate citizens stranded in the region. Many Odia individuals, including workers and students, are facing uncertainty due to disrupted air travel. The urgency of the situation has prompted appeals for swift government intervention to ensure their safety and reassure families back home. Additionally, concerns have been raised by Tamil Nadu representatives regarding the welfare of Indians in the Middle East, highlighting the broader implications of the ongoing conflict. The government has committed to taking necessary steps to protect its citizens caught in these challenging circumstances.
Mar 2, 2026, 18:18 IST
Urgent Action Needed for Evacuation
In light of escalating tensions in the Middle East, Naveen Patnaik, the president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), urged the Indian government on Monday to take immediate measures to ensure the safe evacuation of Odia citizens stranded in the region. Patnaik highlighted that many individuals from Odisha, including migrant workers, professionals, students, and tourists, are currently trapped due to the ongoing conflict. The disruption of air travel has left many facing significant uncertainty, putting their safety and well-being at risk as they look to the government for urgent assistance.
Request for Government Action
Patnaik further emphasized the need for the Indian government to act swiftly to facilitate the safe return of all Odia residents caught in this turmoil. Prompt action would not only safeguard lives but also provide reassurance to countless families back home who are anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. Earlier today, AIADMK MP I.S. Inbadurai expressed concerns in a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the situation developing in parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, urging the government to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of Indians in the region.
Concerns from Tamil Nadu Families
In his correspondence with the Foreign Minister, Inbadurai highlighted the worries of families in Tamil Nadu, particularly following a request from AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, who called for the protection of Indians, especially Tamils, residing in Middle Eastern countries. Inbadurai expressed deep concern over the tense and evolving situation in parts of the Middle East, stating that the request made by Palaniswami reflects the genuine anxiety of millions of families in Tamil Nadu regarding the safety of their relatives.
Government's Commitment to Safety
Previously, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the central government is taking steps to ensure the safety of Indian citizens caught in the Israel-Iran conflict. Speaking to the media, Rijiju noted that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the government is proactively working to manage rescue operations in such situations. He pointed out that previous administrations had not provided such extensive support, which is now being coordinated by the Ministry of External Affairs through its embassies in various countries.