Mangaluru: Padmaraj R. Poojary, general secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), has urged the Union government to take immediate steps to protect non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Expressing concern over the worsening situation amid the Iran–Israel conflict, Poojary said the growing instability has caused anxiety among Indians, including lakhs of people from the coastal Karnataka region living in the Gulf and other West Asian countries.
He said the uncertainty in conflict-affected areas such as Israel and Iran, as well as concerns in Gulf nations like United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, has created fear among Indian families residing there.
Poojary noted that the constant sound of explosions and the sense of insecurity are affecting the mental well-being of families, particularly children. The prolonged atmosphere of fear, he said, is disrupting the normal lives and development of young people.
The Congress leader also expressed concern that many families wishing to return to India are unable to do so because of uncertainty surrounding flight services. He claimed that several countries have already evacuated their citizens from the region, and urged the Centre to take similar measures for Indians.
Calling for urgent diplomatic intervention, Poojary said the Union government should prioritise the safety of NRIs before the situation deteriorates further. He suggested arranging special chartered flights to bring back families, particularly women and children, who are facing distress.
He also demanded the establishment of a dedicated help desk to assist Kannadigas stranded in the region, adding that the government must stand firmly behind its citizens during times of crisis and ensure their safe return.