India came out openly against state violence in Libya even as it explored evacuation options for its nationals trapped in the fighting in several cities.
In a statement, the government “deplored” the use of force “which is totally unacceptable and must not be resorted to.” It “earnestly hoped that calm is restored at the earliest without any further violence.”
This is the strongest of the statements and advisories issued by the Foreign Office since the unrest in the Arab Street began in Tunisia and Egypt last month.
The statement expressed the government's “serious concern” over the developments in Libya leading to loss of “numerous lives and injuries to many more.”
The government assured that its embassy in Tripoli was in regular touch with Indians there and it would take “necessary measures, as warranted by the situation,” to ensure their welfare.
Evacuation options
On evacuation options for Indians, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said the government had sought approval from the Libyan authorities. The government could evacuate its citizens by sea and air but needed Tripoli's permission to do so, should the need arise. An aircraft sent from Turkey was unable to evacuate its citizens because of denial of permission to land at the Benghazi airport.
“Tripoli would be the preferred evacuation point. Benghazi only if conditions permit access by our aircraft and ships. The road route to Egypt from Benghazi is also an option depending on security conditions. Some Egyptians have used this route,” said Ms. Rao.
Indian killed in accident
An Indian using the road route was killed in a head-on collision while four of his co-passengers, including two Indians, were injured. The group was trying to cross over to Egypt from Tobruk (northeast Libya) when their car met with an accident.
They were admitted to a hospital in Tobruk where Murugaiah died on Monday while the other Indians were still recovering. The mission was in touch with the injured and had also reported that Indian nurses working in the Tobruk hospital were safe.
