By TCN News,
New Delhi: Coming though late to rescue the 18,000 Indians stranded in violence-hit Libya, India this morning sent two Air India planes for Tripoli. The country has been reportedly allowed by Libya to fly in special planes to collect Indian citizens. Two planes left Delhi and Mumbai early today. Besides, the government is also sending special ships to rescue them.
According to media reports, from today (26th Feb.) till March 7, India can fly in two flights a day in Tripoli for the evacuation operations.
Our country is also moving three Navy ships to Benghazi the city where the revolt against Colonel Gaddafi began last week. From Benghazi, ships will transport Indians to Alexandria in Egypt. Special Air India flights will then bring them home.
The government has clarified that citizens do not have to pay for their evacuation. A statement from the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said, “It has come to notice that some unscrupulous elements are asking for payments/handling charges/facilitation fee etc., for arranging evacuation of Indian nationals, through the Embassy of India in Libya. These activities are completely illegal and individuals engaged in them should be immediately reported to the law enforcement authorities.”
Meanwhile, reports say a group of Indians employed in Libya have fled across the border into Tunisia citing shortage of basic needs in the Libyan town of Zawiyah caused by heavy fighting between Gaddafi’s loyal forces and his opponents who want to end his 41-year rule.