The number of Punjabi youth, stuck in strife-torn Iraq, is increasing with each passing day. From 40, nearly 600 Punjabis or their families have reported to the Punjab Civil Control Room set up for the purpose.
Both the victims marooned in Iraq, and their family members, are ranging up the control room to give details about their locations.
Reportedly, all the Indians, including Punjabis, are at safe locations, but are eager to return to their motherland.
Till 8 pm, the Punjab Government officials told The Pioneer that the number has touched 594 and is expected to rise further. The State Government has been sending all the information and details to the Union External Affairs Ministry.
At the same time, the State Government is also publicising the control room numbers via various TV channels, social media and internet sites, which is proving very helpful in spreading information.
Six youths from Gurdaspur district had returned to their homes on Saturday from Iraq. Official sources said that many more people could be stuck in Iraq as some families have still not contacted the State Government.
Over 40 Indians, mostly from Punjab, were kidnapped by insurgents on June 11 in northern Iraq’s Mosul town. Most Indian workers in Iraq are construction or skilled workers.