Chandigarh, March 2 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a 24-hour helpline number on Monday to assist Punjabis stranded in affected countries following the joint Israel-US attack on Iran, assuring them of all possible help.
Stating that the state government is in constant contact with the Centre to ensure their safe and prompt return, CM Mann said Punjab will provide full support and cooperation to those stranded in the conflict-ridden Middle East.
"The state government is constantly in contact with the Government of India to ensure the safe and prompt return of those stranded. Due to the conflicts in Arab countries, many Punjabis in these nations are facing serious difficulties. The Punjab government has set up a helpline. If any person or their family is stranded in these countries, they can call on these numbers," he said.
"People can call 0172 2260042 and 0172 2260043, or send a WhatsApp message to +91 94787 79112, if any kind of help is required," the CM said.
Reiterating the government's commitment, CM Mann said, "We are committed to providing all necessary support and assistance to the stranded people as soon as possible."
Expressing solidarity with the families of the youth and students stuck in Gulf countries, he said, "The state government stands firmly with these families in this hour of crisis."
NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said the state is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to ensure their safe evacuation, while urging the Centre's cooperation for the prompt return of those affected.
"The Punjab government is closely monitoring the overall situation and has initiated measures based on calls received from the affected areas. We are getting phone calls from Central Asia and most of them are Punjabi tourists. The state government stands firmly with every Punjabi stranded abroad and we will make every effort to ensure their safe evacuation and return home," he said.
A committee has also been formed under the chairmanship of Additional Director General of Police, NRI Wing, R K Jaiswal in this regard, the minister added.
Stressing the need for Centre-state coordination, he added, "The Punjab government is keen to hold an early meeting with the Union government to ensure coordination and sincere efforts are being made for the safe evacuation of the stranded persons.
"We believe that through mutual cooperation between the state and the central government, we can expedite the relief measures and provide timely assistance to our beleaguered people."
Singh further said that the NRI Affairs Department, in coordination with the Home Department and other agencies concerned, is actively collecting data of affected persons and working on emergency plans to facilitate their safe passage back home.
"No stone will be left unturned to protect the interests of Punjabis abroad. The safety of every Punjabi is our top priority," he said.
Meanwhile, the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) also released helpline numbers for those stuck in the affected countries.
An appeal is made to all Punjabis that if any family member, relative, or friend of yours is stranded in the Gulf or is in need of any kind of immediate assistance, then please contact the helpline number 7408560065 issued by the Punjab BJP immediately, it said in a post on X.
SAD also said that in this hour of crisis, the entire party stands shoulder to shoulder with its Punjabi community and is fully prepared to provide every possible assistance.
"An appeal to all Punjabis: If any individual, family, or your relative or friend in these countries needs any kind of help, please contact the helpline number +91 9501287100," said the party in a post on X.
