The release of the Indian nurses stranded in Iraq and their safe return to homeland were the result of the collective efforts of the External Affairs Department headed by Minister Sushma Swaraj, Indian diplomats, the country’s embassy in the war-ravaged West Asian country and the Kerala Government, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Saturday.
“Sushma Swaraj took immense interest in the matter. She acted with full understanding of the concerns and requirements of Kerala. I am — and the Kerala Government is — immensely grateful to the External Affairs Ministry, Indian diplomats, India’s Embassy in Iraq and all others,” Chandy said while taking the much-needed rest after two days of hectic activities in Delhi.
Chandy, who had flown directly to Kochi from Delhi after ensuring completion of all steps to bring the nurses home, said at Aluva Palace, some 15 km away from the Kochi airport, said the time between the sending of an AI flight to Erbil and its takeoff from there was filled with suspense and anxiety.
“The flight officers had met with some confusion at Erbil Airport. They had to wait for two hours before getting clearance to land. Kerala’s Resident Commissioner in Delhi, who was on the flight, told me that they would have to return. I contacted Swaraj. She must have pulled the right strings. All problems were solved in a matter of minutes,” the CM said.
After receiving the nurses at Kochi airport, Chandy, refusing to drop his humbleness even after scoring such a big achievement, said, “All I want to say is that we are happy that we could bring all these 46 girls back home safely. This would not have been possible if it was not for the collective efforts,” he reiterated.
Asked whether the Kerala Government had any concrete plans for the rehabilitation of the nurses, Chandy said that the prime concern for the moment was the completion of the mission at hand. “Our sole agenda at this point of time is to get these girls back home safe. The other matters will be looked into later,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that some Keralites in Iraq had been still contacting the Government and him personally seeking help. “The Non-Resident Keralites Department is recording their details. Tickets will be given to those who want to come home. All necessary assistance will be provided to those who want help in arranging documents,” he said.
Kerala’s Opposition lDF showed no reluctance to praise those who worked for the evacuation. “The actions of the Central and State Governments were relieving. Also, the insurgents in Iraq are reported to have acted well. The task before the Government at this juncture is to rehabilitate the nurses,” said nonagenarian Opposition leader VS Achuthanandan.
The BJP lauded the Centre for the extraordinary skill and perseverance with which it brought the crisis to a relieving end. “The Centre had acted in the systematic manner required in such circumstances,” said BJP leader Sobha Surendran.