Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, held a high-level telephonic discussion with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu to demand the immediate and safe evacuation of Punjabis currently stranded in the conflict-ridden Middle East. Highlighting the distress of thousands of families across the state, the Chief Minister shared a comprehensive database of affected citizens and pushed for the deployment of special aircraft to bring them home.
During the conversation, the Union Minister reportedly assured the Chief Minister that the Government of India is prioritizing the safety of Indian nationals and will make all necessary arrangements, including the operation of special relief flights. To further expedite the process, Chief Minister Mann deputed Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh to meet with the Union Minister in person in New Delhi. The state government has already submitted a detailed list of stranded individuals, including their contact numbers and locations in various Gulf countries, to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate targeted rescue operations.
“The safe return of our Punjabis stuck in Arab countries is our government’s highest priority,” Chief Minister Mann stated. He emphasized the significant contributions of the Punjabi diaspora and noted that the state is duty-bound to assist its youth and students during this unprecedented regional crisis. The Chief Minister also expressed solidarity with the families back home, promising that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring their loved ones are reunited with them at the earliest.
To assist the families of those stranded, the Punjab Government has established a 24/7 NRI Control Room and a dedicated WhatsApp helpline. Residents seeking information or assistance regarding their family members in the Gulf region are encouraged to use the following official channels:
- NRI Wing Control Room: 0172-2260042, 0172-2260043
- WhatsApp Helpline: +91 94787 79112
