Bhubaneswar, March 10 Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik raised questions about the alleged "inaction" of the Odisha government, as hundreds of thousands of people from the state are stranded in West Asia due to the disruption of air connectivity amid escalating conflict.
Patnaik, who had advised the state's BJP government on March 2 to take measures for the safe evacuation of Odia people from the conflict zone, said in a social media post on Tuesday that air routes are closed, flights are being cancelled, and borders are also shut.
"In such difficult circumstances, it is the duty of the Odisha government to safely bring back all Odias. However, the government's failure to show any urgency or take swift action is only making their situation even more difficult. Why is the government remaining silent?" Patnaik asked on X.
Patnaik also noted that he can feel the fear and anxiety of the millions of Odias trapped in the midst of the horrific war in the Middle East, including labourers, students, professionals, tourists, and travellers, who are all extremely terrified. Even their families and loved ones back in Odisha are anxiously awaiting their return, he said.
The BJD president also asked, "Where has that grand speech about 'Odia Pride' gone? Can it stand firmly with the people of Odisha in such a difficult time?"
He said the Odisha government should stop making empty promises and immediately take firm steps to safely bring back all Odias from the war zone. "Swift and timely action will provide reassurance to every Odia and save many lives," the BJD president said.
Although the exact number of Odia people stranded in Iran and other key Gulf countries is not yet known, the non-resident Odias in Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar) and Manama (Bahrain) have contacted their families and informed them about their safety, an official said.
Sources said that with flight services disrupted due to the military escalation in West Asia, hundreds of Indians, including Odias, are stranded in Dubai, Doha and other key airport hubs, with many of them appealing to the Indian government for assistance on social media.
The situation in West Asia has turned grave following the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel.
Meanwhile, replying to a question in the Assembly, Odisha's Labour & Employees State Insurance Minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia on Tuesday informed the House that the state government, with the help of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) during the last two years, has brought back 158 Odia people facing difficulties in different countries.
The minister said that the workers who migrated to foreign countries are being controlled through the Immigration Act of the Government of India. The people were rescued from countries including Myanmar, Dubai, Laos, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Sudan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia and Liberia and others.