Odisha

[Watch] We Are So Relieved To Have You Back, Odisha CM Tells Students; 500 More Still Stuck In Ukraine

By
OB Bureau

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik spoke to Odisha students, who had returned from embattled Ukraine, via video conferencing from Delhi International Airport, on Monday. 

“We are so relieved that you are back. We are also working on evacuating other students of Odisha as soon as possible,” he said.

The students shared their experiences with the CM. “After getting the notification from Odisha government on February 25, we contacted the Resident Commissioner Ravi Kant on Whatsapp, apprising him of our situation and evacuation plan. Most students are being evacuated from the Urkrian-Romanian border.  After crossing over to Romania, we were taken to Bucharest by the Indian Embassy officials. We then board the Air India flight at night and landed in Delhi. We were then taken to Odisha Bhawan,” said one of the evacuees. 

They, however, expressed their apprehensions over the fate of their friends still stranded in the strife-torn country. “Odia students are mostly stuck in Kharkiv region, which has been facing the onslaught of Russian invasion, and are staying in shelters. It is important to take them out of there since there is no transportation facility available there,” a student said. 

Naveen assured the students that efforts are being stepped up to ensure their safe return. “I have already spoken to the Home Minister and External Affairs Minister and will again contact them,” he said.

Notably, the fifth flight, carrying 249 Indian nationals from Ukraine, under Operation Ganga landed at the Delhi airport this morning. The Indian nationals had boarded the Air India flight at Bucharest in Romania. A majority of the students rescued in these flights are from medical universities in the western-most part of Ukraine. However, most said they knew of more students who were currently hiding in bunkers.

The Resident Commissioner, who was present during the meeting, later told the media that seven students from the state have reached New Delhi and another 500 are still stuck in the strife-torn country. 

“We are in touch with the students. Our teams are working in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Civil Aviation,” he said.

Kant further said they will be able to evacuate 25 per cent of these students in the next couple of days. “We have set up a control room and are reaching out to the students. We are arranging food, transportation and addressing the issues faced by them,” he added.

 

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

OHRC Seeks Report From Odisha Govt On Mango Kernel Deaths In Kandhamal

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has sent notices to Secretaries of Food &…

November 7, 2024

Why Are Kartik Aaryan’s Parents Scared Of Bollywood?

New Delhi: Even as his recently-released horror comedy ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’ continues to mint money…

November 7, 2024

How Delhi Police Cracked Gangrape Of Odisha Researcher; Cop In Guise Of Social Worker, Footage Of 700 CCTVs

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: After over 20 days of investigation and analysing more than 700 CCTV cameras,…

November 7, 2024

‘No Notification Exists’: HC Closes Plea Against 1988 Ban On Salman Rushdie’s ‘The Satanic Verses’

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has closed proceedings on a petition challenging the Rajiv…

November 7, 2024

Criticised For Touching His Wife’s Feet, Vikrant Massey Gives It Back To Trollers

Mumbai: ‘12th Fail’ actor Vikrant Massey recently got trolled after pictures of him touching his…

November 7, 2024

Threat Call: Was Shah Rukh Khan Targeted For His Deer-Hunting Dialogue In ‘Anjaam’?

Mumbai: Mumbai Police swung into action immediately after Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan received a…

November 7, 2024

[Watch] Snowfall In Desert For The First Time!

Dubai: The effects of global climate change are being seen in various manifestations across the globe.…

November 7, 2024

Police Case Against Websites Selling T-Shirts With Photos Of Dawood, Bishnoi

Mumbai: When criminals are idolised and used for commercial purposes, police are bound to take action.…

November 7, 2024