This refers to the editorial, “Help the stranded Indians” (May 28). The Government should do whatever is necessary to repatriate the Indian citizens currently stranded in Saudi Arabia on account of the implementation of Nitaqat labour law. These people are our own countrymen who migrated to West Asian countries, especially Saudi Arabia, in search of better opportunities and a secure livelihood that they were unable to find in their own homeland.
The Indian Government should also learn a few lessons in firmness of purpose from Saudi Arabia and show determination and willingness to tackle the issue of Bangladeshi illegal immigrants which has been causing serious harm to the peace and harmony of our country, especially in the North-East. The conflagration in Assam last year should not be forgotten or dismissed as a stray incident. For this, politicians of all hues will need to set aside their vote-bank temptations and start to focus on issues of national interest, integrity and sovereignty.