Hyderabad: The demise of former foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj would be keenly felt by those Hyderabadi NRIs who were trapped in mostly the Gulf countries and were “rescued” by her intervention. They remember her benevolence at a time when they were destitute and in trouble.
Amjadullah Khan, spokesperson of the Majlis Bachao Tehreek, who acted as a bridge between Swaraj and the families, said she was a leader who had no boundaries. He estimated that she had rescued 173 people who were stranded in foreign countries by intervening in their case.
By opening a single window system to help NRIs in foreign countries, she has simplified matters. She had allocated special funds for bringing home the mortal remains of those who had expired in other countries. Anyone could approach her for help. She responded many times through tweets, he said.
Mohammed Akbar said he was grateful to Sushma Swaraj because he was able to see his daughter who was married to a Pakistani pretending to be an Omani citizen. She showed special interest in bringing his daughter back. “She was a Messiah for us. We wanted her as PM of India,” he said.
Zainab Bee says she owes her rescue from Saudi Arabia to Sushma Swaraj who was External Affairs Minister at the time. She said she could not sleep the whole night after she heard that Sushmaji was no more. She said Sushmaji helped her at a time when she had lost hope and she was here because of the efforts made by the late minister.
Several other women had similar experiences. Ameena was rescued from Dammam in KSA because of the help received from the foreign ministry under Sushma Swaraj. When she requested help to return to India, the minister responded quickly and made it possible. Anjum Fatima of Chanchalguda said two years ago she went to Saudi Arabia, where she was confronted with many problems and harassment by her employer. She telephoned Mr Amjadullah Khan, who in return informed the ministry and Anjum Fatima came back 15 days later.
