Chandigarh, March 3: The ongoing military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has cast a shadow over the Indian diaspora in the Gulf, with hundreds of Punjabi workers and travelers reporting significant distress. From high-profile athletes to manual laborers, the closure of major airports like Dubai International has left a diverse group of Indian nationals seeking urgent assistance.
In labor camps across the emirates, the mood is described as increasingly tense. Inder Grewal, a driver from Ludhiana based in Dubai, affirmed that while his camp of 2,500 people remains relatively safe, the frequent sounds of interceptions have caused widespread alarm. He stated that the visibility of missiles in the sky has created a climate of fear among the expatriate community.
The situation has also hit home for families in Chandigarh. One local businessman, who was transiting through Dubai en route to Berlin, remains stuck after his connecting flight was canceled due to strikes on Iran. “The hotel staffers are themselves unsure of how things would unfold and are not able to help us,” noted a member of another stranded Chandigarh family. They affirmed that they have confined themselves to their hotel rooms to avoid any potential risks.
Punjab government officials declared that they are in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the safe return of these citizens. “All we wanted was to see our families,” asserted a returning passenger at a different Indian hub, reflecting the sentiment of those still waiting in Abu Dhabi. The state administration maintained that they will continue to push for the prioritization of Punjabi workers and tourists in upcoming evacuation schedules.
