Relatives of Indians trapped in Libya pray for their safety
Kottayam (Kerala): The relatives of Indians working in violence-hit Libya are appealing to the Government for their safe return. With the ongoing protests in Libya against Gaddafi's government mounting, the family of Agnus Thomas, a nurse from Kerala working in that country, has resorted to prayers. "I am praying to God to bring back my child safely as soon as possible to her home. This entire family is living for her only," said Agnus's grandmother. Agnus's's family managed to speak to her, but said they are worried about the worsening
situation. "With great difficulty, we contacted her yesterday. When we spoke, she cried a
lot and told me that protesters would kill them," said Agnus's mother.
Over 190 nurses from Kerala are stranded in Libya, most of them are without necessities
like food and water. The families of those working are hoping the Indian government
evacuates them quickly. Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Tripoli has said that
Murugaiah, a contract worker from Tamil Nadu, who was employed with a Korean
group, died in a road accident in Libya. It was earlier alleged that Murugaiah died in
anti-government violence.
The Embassy said, "During the night of Saturday, February 19, a group comprising of
three Indians and two Egyptians were trying to cross over to Egypt by car from Tobruk
(city in northeastern Libya ). Their car met with a headon collision resulting in all three
Indians receiving serious injuries. They were admitted to Al Vatnam Medical Center in
Tobruk. A number of Indian nurses are presently also working at the Center. Murugaiah
reportedly succumbed to his injuries yesterday." The Indian Embassy in Tripoli further
said that the other Indian nationals are still in the hospital and recuperating. The Mission is
in regular touch with the Medical Center ."As such the story of Murugaiah's death being a
result of firing appears to be incorrect," the Embassy said.
Earlier, the victim's wife Vellathai submitted a petition to the District Collector seeking
steps to retrieve the body of her husband.
Vellathai said her husband's colleague Ashok Kumar informed the family on February 20
about the death of Murugaiah, employed with Hyundai group.
She said Kumar also told her he was seriously injured in the gunfire that caused a fire in
the camp where the workers had been put up.
Vellathai has sought the intervention of the Government to bring back the body of her
husband and also to ascertain the condition of the others, whose names were listed in the
petition. Libya is witnessing a volatile situation in the wake of unprecedented protests
against the 41-year rule of Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi.
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna on Tuesday said the government is keeping a close
watch on the situation in violence-hit Libya.
Krishna said that the situation is being closely monitored by the External Affairs Ministry
and all Indians are safe in Libya .
Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament, he said: "Whatever needs to be done, will
be done," asserting that the mission in Libya was in constant touch with Indian citizens
there.
When questioned about the help being provided to workers there, Krishna said: "We
don't differentiate between 'mazdoors and non-mazdoors' (labourers and non-labourers).
Every Indian is precious to us."
Earlier on Sunday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash said: "All
Indians numbering around 18,000 are safe in Libya . We are following the situation
closely. Presently disturbances have mainly been reported in north-eastern cities of
Benghazi , Derna, Baida and Tubruk."
"In view of the prevailing situation in Libya , Indian nationals are advised to avoid
non-essential travel to Libya , for the present," he added.
Vishnu Prakash also informed that the Indian Embassy in Tripoli has set up a
round-the-clock control room which can be contacted for further information or
assistance.
Over 200 people had been killed over the past few days in intense protests, which are
taking place in Libya against Gaddafi, who has ruled uninterruptedly for the past 41 years.
