Escalating hostilities between Israel-US and Iran in the Middle East have spurred Kerala into action for its overseas kin, particularly Gulf residents. CM Pinarayi Vijayan presided over a critical virtual assembly of Gulf leaders late Tuesday through Loka Kerala Sabha, positioning NRK security as the administration’s prime concern.
Emphasizing collective resolve, he urged expatriates to bury hatchets and unite in response. Vijayan appreciated the spectrum of diaspora reactions, while flagging unease with flux in security postures.
Formal communications to the Centre seek expatriate protections and repatriation facilitation for the needy. ‘Kerala stands ready with all available help,’ he affirmed.
Core grievances: flight halts, refund lags, price surges, charter explorations, and transit passenger plights at Gulf terminals—set for central advocacy.
Noting profound India-Gulf commerce, Vijayan alerted to prospective economic shocks affecting Kerala’s livelihoods and chains.
Reps conveyed situational stability locally without hysteria, yet stressed exigencies like sudden travels, academic homecomings, stragglers from axed flights, and transit visa snags.
NRKs were cautioned to honor embassy and authority cues rigorously, eschewing unconfirmed reports. Vijayan guaranteed state involvement to soften crisis blows on abroad Keralites.