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By India Today News Desk: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar accused the Congress of politicising the situation of Indians in violence-hit Sudan and said no electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad. The Union minister was responding to a tweet by Congress leader Siddaramaiah accusing the government of not evacuating 31 tribals from Karnataka stranded in Sudan.
“It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war. I urge Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Home Ministry, the External Affairs Ministry and Karntaka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to immediately intervene and ensure their safe return,” Siddaramaiah wrote on Twitter.
READ | Sudan violence: 31 tribals from Karnataka stranded, Cong claims govt not evacuating them
“Hakki Pikkis in Sudan are left stranded without food since the last few days and the government is yet to initiate action to bring them back. The BJP government should immediately open diplomatic discussions and reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki Pikkis,” Siddaramaiah added.
To this Jaishankar wrote, “Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake. Don’t do politics.”
ALSO READ | Fresh advisory to Indian nationals in Sudan amid looting, violence
The external affairs minister said since the fighting started, the Indian embassy has been in touch with most Indian nationals in Sudan. He added the movement of stranded Indians is constrained by fierce fighting.
“Their details and locations cannot be made public for security reasons. Their movement is constrained by fierce fighting that is ongoing. Plans regarding them have to take into account a very complicated security scenario. The embassy is in constant touch with the ministry in that regard,” Jaishankar said.
“It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicise their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad,” he added.
ALSO READ | Mapping the Sudan crisis through satellite images
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