Bhubaneswar, Mar 10: Leader of the Opposition in Odisha and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday appealed to both the Odisha government and the central government to take urgent steps to ensure the safe return of Odia citizens stranded in the Middle East amid rising tensions in the region.

Speaking to the media outside the Odisha Assembly, Patnaik expressed concern over the safety of thousands of migrant workers from the state who are currently living and working in several Middle Eastern countries.

“I understand that there are lakhs of Odia people stranded in Middle Eastern countries. I request the governments of Odisha and India to take immediate steps to ensure they return safely to their homes in India,” Patnaik said.

His appeal comes at a time when the situation in the Middle East has become increasingly volatile following the joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran. The military action reportedly began on February 28 and the conflict entered its 11th day on Tuesday, raising concerns across the world.

The developments have sparked anxiety among families of Odia migrant workers, many of whom depend on jobs in the Gulf region for their livelihood. Patnaik urged authorities to closely monitor the situation and make necessary arrangements for the safe evacuation of citizens if required.

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