Rajasthan govt says 40 Rajasthanis stranded in Sudan, issues helpline numbers

The Rajasthan government on Saturday said it is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens stranded in violence-hit Sudan and issued a list of helpline numbers for those in need of assistance.

At least 40 Rajasthanis are currently stranded in Sudan, an official statement said.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly fighting between the country's army and a paramilitary group for over a week that has reportedly left around 300 people dead.

In light of the conflict, the Bikaner House Resident Commissioner's Office has released helpline numbers for those in need of assistance or information, the statement said.

Those who require assistance can contact the helpline numbers -- +91 83060 09838, 0141-2229111, and 011-23070807. The ACS (Coordination) cum Chief Resident Commissioner, Bikaner House, Shubhra Singh, has requested Non-Resident Rajasthanis (NRRs) to contact the helpline numbers provided on social media channels and the website of the Rajasthan Foundation, it said.

According to a list provided to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), at least 40 Rajasthanis are currently stranded in Rajasthan, the statement said.

Dhiraj Srivastava, resident commissioner (Bikaner House) in Delhi and commissioner, Rajasthan Foundation, attended a meeting with MEA officials in the national capital to discuss the current situation and ensure that all Rajasthanis in Sudan receive the necessary assistance.

"The state government is committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens in the conflict zone and will work with NRR Mitras to support those affected by the conflict in Sudan," Srivastava said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday issued directions for the preparation of contingency plans to evacuate Indians from Sudan as he carried out a detailed review of the security situation in the African country at a high-level meeting.