Efforts are underway to evacuate Indians in Ukraine as conflict has turned into a full-blown war. The efforts are to bring Indians across the border from conflict-affected cities to the airport with the help of neighbouring countries there. Authorities have repeatedly warned people not to go out on any journey that is not on the instructions of the Indian Embassy in Ukraine as it could be dangerous. For the time being, the evacuation is intended to be through Romania, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. The arrival of the first AI flight carrying Indians to Delhi via Romania was a great relief. Many, including students, are waiting their turn at the Romanian border. It is strictly forbidden to cross the border on one's own, but there are also reports of people preparing for the journey in the hope of saving their lives. As the war rages in areas including the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, the concern of Indians, including students, who have been living in bunkers, metro stations and shelters for three days is understandable. The positive approach already taken by the Central Government will help to make the evacuation more meaningful. It is the duty of the people to give their full support to the cause. Government efforts should not be underestimated or undermined when it comes to standing together. It is also important to remember that this is not the time for political exploitation. India has set up air force planes for the evacuation. We have ample experience regarding the evacuation process which was seen during the Gulf War, the Kuwait invasion and finally the early stages of the Covid pandemic.

Students, others and state governments will not be liable for the evacuation as the full costs of it will be borne by the Centre. The steps taken by the Minister of State for External Affairs Muraleedharan are also commendable. Naturally, Kerala is concerned that a large number of Indians stranded in Ukraine are Malayali students. The task of safely transporting the stranded across the border to neighboring countries is daunting. That is why embassy officials insist that travel permits will be issued only after the roads are fully secured. Let no one misunderstand this. The intervention of the authorities can also ensure that those trapped are getting the food and water they need. Intensive efforts are being made to expedite the evacuation. It should be considered as the greatest fortune that communication relations have not been disrupted so far. Being able to connect with families more often is a great blessing during these testing times.

The evacuees are being landed in Delhi and Mumbai. The Centre should be kind enough to facilitate the return of these people, who are very tired, to their native places.