Following the death of an Indian student in shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv by Russian forces, Opposition leaders on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite the evacuation process.
While condoling the death of Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagoudar, a resident of Chalageri in Karnataka’s Haveri district, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said India needed a strategic plan.
“Received the tragic news of Indian student Naveen losing his life in Ukraine. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I reiterate, GOI [Government of India] needs a strategic plan for safe evacuation. Every minute is precious,” Mr. Gandhi said.
Offering her condolences on Twitter, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee said, “Such tragedies numb us”.
CPI general secretary D. Raja said, “GoI’s lack of foresight is resulting in sufferings for stranded Indians. We must do everything to take Indians out of the conflict zone. The war must end”.
Echoing similar sentiments on Twitter, CPI-(Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said, “Tragic loss of life. Deepest condolences. Urge GoI to further step up efforts to urgently ensure evacuation of all Indians. Further loss of young lives caught in crossfire must be prevented”.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra too condoled the death of the student and asked the government to bring back the Indians stranded in Ukraine as soon as possible.
At an official Congress briefing, party spokesperson Ragini Nayak asked if the Government had made a list of students and Indian citizens in Ukraine who have gone missing or can’t be traced; a break up of students who are in shelters or safe houses; and how many are still there in the dangerous zone that has come under attack by the Russian troops.
“And since Modi ji’s foreign policy relies on his personal equation with the leaders, has he made an earnest effort to talk to the Heads of the State of Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe passage for our students,” she asked.
