External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hit out at senior congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday after he demanded that the Centre initiate steps to bring back 31 people belonging to Hakki-Pikki tribe of the state, stranded in war-torn Sudan. Jaishankar urged the Congress leader to not do politics and said the the government has been in constant touch with most Indian nationals since the clashes broke out in Sudan.
“Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics. Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian Nationals and PIOs in Sudan,” the minister replied to Siddaramaiah’s tweet.
Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics.
Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian Nationals and PIOs in Sudan. https://t.co/MawnIwStQp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
“Plans regarding them have to take into account a very complicated security scenario. The Embassy is in constant touch with the Ministry in that regard. It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad, the Tweet further read.
Earlier today, the senior Congress leader in a series of tweets, urged the Government of India to intervene and bring the stranded people back to the country.
“It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war. I urge @PMOIndia @narendramodi, @HMOIndia, @MEAIndia and @BSBommai to immediately intervene & ensure their safe return,” Siddaramaiah tweeted.
“It is also unfortunate to know that we have lost one Indian & 60 others in the ongoing civil war in Sudan. My deepest condolences to their families and pray for the peace in the region”, he added.
According to the official data, the number of Indians living in Sudan is close to 4,000 of which 1,200 settled down in the country decades ago.
A dispute between the Army and the para-military over a proposed timeline for handing over power to a civilian government has led to clashes between the heavily armed supporters of the two groups. Tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons are being used by the fighters in densely populated areas causing millions of people to remain confined inside their houses.
At least 185 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted between the two sides, reported PTI.
