Argus News - Odias Stranded in West Asia War, Families Plead for Urgent Evacuation

Bhubaneswar, Mar 2: War spares no one—neither the guilty nor innocent. As the conflict in West Asia intensifies, thousands of Indian expatriates, including many Odias, are living in fear and uncertainty. With missile and drone strikes hitting Dubai, Qatar, and the UAE, families in Odisha are desperately appealing to the government for their safe return.

Escalating Conflict 

The confrontation between Iran, Israel, and the United States has sent shockwaves across the Middle East. Iran, vowing retaliation for the death of its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, has targeted countries such as the UAE, Oman, and Qatar with missile and drone attacks. In Dubai, buildings have been damaged, and the skyline is filled with smoke and fire, leaving residents terrified.

Odias in Distress 

The human toll of the conflict is felt deeply among Odia expatriates. Families in Odisha anxiously await updates from their loved ones. Rajkishore Panda’s son, Sudhir, working in Dubai, called home to describe the dire situation. His mother, Rajkishori Panda, said tearfully: “My son told us about the explosions nearby. We are terrified and beg the government to bring him back safely.”

Similarly, Prateek Deb Das from Cuttack, employed with an IT company in Bengaluru, was stranded in Doha while en-route to Romania. His father, Dev Kumar Das, expressed his anguish: “We never imagined our son would be caught in a war zone. Every moment feels like a nightmare.” His mother, Madhulita Das, added: “We just want him home. Nothing else matters now.”

Community Appeals 

The crisis has also impacted Odias from Ganjam district, where thousands work across Middle Eastern countries. Debashish Das, another Odia expatriate, is reportedly stuck at Dubai airport amid the chaos. Speaking from Dubai, Debashish said: “We are stranded with no clear information. The situation is tense, and we hope the government acts quickly.”

Community members in Odisha are voicing urgent appeals. Sukanta Maharana, brother of another expatriate, said: “Our families are living in fear. We want immediate action to rescue those trapped.”

Also Read: Watch Viral Video: Iran Claims US F-15 Fighter Jet Shot Down In Kuwait, Pilot Ejects

Government Response 

The Indian government has launched a rescue mission to evacuate stranded nationals from conflict-hit regions. A senior official stated: “We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with local authorities. Every effort is being made to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens, including Odias.”

While the situation remains tense, families cling to hope that their loved ones will soon be reunited with them.