Amaravati, March 2 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday directed officials to ensure the safe return of Telugu people stranded in countries in West Asia as a result of the conflict in the region.
A joint attack by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28 triggered a war, entangling several neighboring Arab nations, where there are millions of Indians.
Naidu directed officials to ensure the safe return of people stranded in the countries involved in the war, according to an official press release.
The CM reviewed the situation at his office with officials from the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) and Real Time Governance Systems (RTGS).
The chief minister instructed officials to coordinate with the Central Government to facilitate the return of people from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar, and Kuwait.
He directed authorities to immediately contact those stranded due to the war and flight cancellations and provide necessary assistance without delay, according to the release.
Emphasizing that APNRTS and RTGS should work in close coordination on relief measures and continuously monitor the situation, Naidu instructed them to remain in constant contact with the Centre and the Indian embassies in the respective Gulf countries.
The Chief Minister assured that the Andhra Pradesh government stands firmly to provide support to the stranded people and, in coordination with APNRTS, has initiated measures for the safety of Telugu people in the Gulf countries.
Advising them against panicking, the CM told them to seek shelter in protected areas until airports and flight services resume.
Observing that a 24x7 helpline has been set up, he said temporary accommodation is being arranged through APNRTS coordinators.
Upon being contacted, APNRTS will provide immediate assistance and support to non-resident Telugus, he added.
Meanwhile, APNRTS has advised Telugu expatriates residing in the Gulf region to travel to Muscat in Oman for repatriation flights to Kochi for returning to India.
Ravi Kumar P Vemuru, president, APNRTS, said the society has advised Telugu expatriates living in the Gulf countries to stay safe in their current locations, adding that the stranded visitors are nervous, especially in Dubai and Oman.
"The flights from Muscat have already started. We are directing them to take the Muscat-Kochi flight," Vemuru told
