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By Nagarjun Dwarakanath: As the military and paramilitary forces continue to engage in clashes in Sudan, 31 tribals from Karnataka are stranded in the African country amid the violence which shows no signs of ebbing.
The 31 people belong to the Hakki Pikki tribe, a semi-nomadic tribal group, and do not have enough food supplies since the clashes began this weekend.
The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority said that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been informed about the situation of the tribals in Sudan and urged the stranded people not to venture out and follow the instructions of the Indian Embassy in the country.
“We have got a message that a group of 31 persons hailing from Karnataka are stranded in Sudan. We have informed MEA of this. We have asked the group to follow the instructions of the Indian embassy in Sudan. As of now, the stranded should stay wherever they are and not venture out. MEA is seized of the matter and is working on it,” said Dr Manoj Rajan, Commissioner, Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority.
CONGRESS SLAMS CENTRE, KARNATAKA GOVT
The Congress hit out at the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government, terming them as “anti-Kannadiga”, while claiming that they are not taking steps to rescue the tribals in Sudan at the earliest.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala lashed out at the Centre and the Karnataka government, alleging that they left the tribals “to their fate”.
“31 Kannadigas of Hakki Pikki Tribe have been left stranded in the civil war in Sudan. The Anti-Kannadiga Modi Govt has left them to their fate, instead of evacuating & ensuring their safe return. Where are Mr. Prahlad Joshi & Shobha Karandlaje & BJP MP’s? Shame on you Mr Bommai,” Surjewala wrote on his Twitter handle.
Former chief minister and senior Congress leader Siddaramaiah urged PM Modi and Bommai to intervene immediately and ensure their safe return. He slammed the government, alleging that it is yet to “initiate action” to bring the tribals back home.
“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 @PMOIndia, @narendramodi, @HMOIndia, @MEAIndia and @BSBommai to immediately intervene & ensure their safe return,” Siddaramaiah tweeted tagging the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Modi, Home Ministry, MEA and Bommai.
“Hakki Pikkis in Sudan are left stranded without food since the last few days & the govt is yet to initiate action to bring them back.
@BJP4India govt should immediately open diplomatic discussions & reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki Pikkis,” he said.
VIOLENCE IN SUDAN CONTINUES FOR THIRD DAY
Violence continued for the third day in Sudan with explosions and clashes continuing to take place in the capital Khartoum and other areas against the backdrop of escalating tension between the Sudanese army and the powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
The two warring groups are battling on the streets in a bid to control the African country. According to UN envoy Volker Perthes, 185 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted.
Sudan has been facing a political crisis since the military captured power in a coup in October 2021 and has been running the country through a sovereign council since then.
There has been a dispute between the Army and the paramilitary forces over a proposed timeline for handing over power to a civilian government.
ALSO READ | Mapping the Sudan crisis through satellite images
INDIAN NATIONAL KILLED IN CLASHES
An Indian national, Albert Augestine, was hit by a stray bullet during the clashes and succumbed to his injuries. The deceased hailed from Kerala, the Indian embassy in Sudan tweeted on April 16.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said he was “deeply grieved” to know about Augestine’s death and assured all assistance to the bereaved family. He said that the government is monitoring the situation in Sudan.
“Deeply grieved to learn about the death of an Indian national in Khartoum. The Embassy is making all efforts to extend fullest assistance to the family. The situation in Khartoum remains one of great concern. We will continue to monitor developments,” Jaishankar tweeted on April 16.
According to the Indian embassy in Sudan, the deceased was working in Dal Group Company in the country. He was a native of Kerala.
INDIANS ADVISED TO AVOID TRAVEL TO SUDAN
The Indian embassy has issued a previous advisory, asking people to postpone their travel until further notice.
The embassy has urged the stranded Indian nationals in Sudan to remain calm and peaceful.
“Based on the latest inputs, the fighting has not subsided on day two. We sincerely request all fellow Indians to continue stay where they are and not venture outside,” it said in a tweet.
“Please stay calm and peaceful. Stay away from open spaces like balconies or terraces. Keep essentials – medicine, water, money, passport, OCI card, food ready with you to ensure easy mobility, when feasible,” the embassy added.
According to official data, the number of Indians in Sudan is around 4,000, including 1,200 who have settled down in the country decades ago.
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