New Delhi: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin on Tuesday informed that 17 more Indian nationals had been evacuated from the zone of conflict in Iraq, and added that captives were still safe.
"The situation of Indian nationals in Iraq remains an issue of importance for the Government of India. I have additional information to share with you. In the zone of conflict, we have repeatedly said there are a very limited number of Indian nationals. It is also the region where the security environment continues to be volatile. We have, therefore, today, reiterated our advise to those Indian nationals still there, to remain indoors," he said.
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"As you are aware, there are three small groups of Indian nationals in this area. Let me first take those who are not under captivity - we have been in touch with several Indian nationals in this zone of conflict, I am happy to inform you that we have been able to evacuate 17 more Indian nationals with the help of the local authorities, they are now in Baghdad, and will go back to home very shortly," Akbaruddin added while briefing the media.
"The second group of Indian nationals were the nurses, we have been in touch with the 46 nurses and I can also confirm that they are safe, and there has not been any threat to their safety and security, they have foodstocks and nobody has intruded on their premises. we remain in touch with them, we are constantly advising them and will take on day by day basis," he further added.
"Those who are in captivity, I can reconfirm to you again today, despite sceptics who think that this is a non-issue, They remain in captivity but are not harmed and safe," he said.
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The MEA official then turned his focus on activities relating to Indian nationals outside the zone of conflict.
"Our understanding as of now is airports in Erbil, Baghdad, Najaf and Basra are open to normal commercial traffic, and therefore, we are issuing an advisory today telling all Indian nationals who wish to travel voluntarily that they can take commercial flights out from these airports. We will provide them all assistance that is required if they so wish to travel. Our helpline Numbers in Baghdad will be working 24-7 for all kinds of assistance to Indian nationals," he said.
"In addition to this taking into account that a significant number of Indian nationals are also resident in the southern cities of Iraq. We have decided to set up our offices in Najaf,Karbala and Basra to provide assistance of any sort to Indian nationals," he added.
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"Finally, in consultation with the Iraqi authorities, we are setting up a joint committee which will handle issues relating to those Indian nationals who have problems about their immigration status. On our side there will be officials from the embassy, on the Iraqi side there will be officials from Home and Interior Ministries relating to immigration So that those Indian nationals who may have problems relating to their immigration status can be facilitated and assisted to travel if they so desire to travel," he further added.
