Even as it sent two C17 aircraft with a team under the leadership of Minister of State for External Affairs V.K. Singh, to evacuate hundreds of Indians caught in the civil war in South Sudan, officials ran out of patience as many changed their decision to leave at the last moment. As the aircraft landed, officials faced an unprecedented challenge when nearly half of the 600 Indian nationals declined the offer to be evacuated citing the ceasefire which has brought a welcome break after a week of intense fighting.
Sushma’s warning
The Ministry emphasised that those nationals left behind after the rescue effort will have to fend for themselves.
“We have sent two aircraft. This is the right time. Please move out of South Sudan. If situation deteriorates, we will not be able to evacuate you. Please ask all your relatives and friends in South Sudan to please make use of this opportunity and move out,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted.
Operation Sankat Mochan was the first big evacuation effort in a year after Operation Rahat evacuated hundreds of citizens of India and other countries in July 2015. Operation Rahat was also led by V.K. Singh who took the responsibility of steering Operation Sankat Mochan on the ground.
Compared to Operation Rahat which brought kudos for the MEA and for Mr. Singh, the photographs of Operation Sankat Mochan sent out by the official team showed a large number of seats in the first C17 aircraft were empty as it flew out of Juba, South Sudan capital. The first flight, said an official could carry only 143 nationals.
At one point when the first C17 stopped at Kampala, Uganda, for refuelling on its way back to India, Secretary (ER) Amar Sinha announced on Twitter, “Till last night 300 wanted to leave. Half changed their mind this morning.”
Thereafter an official source indicated increasing frustration in MEA over Indians often jeopardising themselves by neglecting official advisories.
