The Indian government is taking all necessary steps ?to act immediately? as protests sweep Libya with the heir-apparent son of the country’s strongman, Col Muammar el-Qaddafi, warning of a civil war.
Meanwhile, the Libyan envoy Ali al-Essawi to India has relinquished his position, however, efforts to confirm from the embassy in New Delhi proved futile.
Libya’s permanent representative in the Arab League, Ambassador Abdel Moneim al-Huny, announced his resignation to protest Libyan authorities’ use of violence against demonstrators, according to sources.
An MEA statement said, ?All Indians, numbering around 18,000, are safe in Libya. We are following the situation closely. Disturbances have mainly been reported in Benghazi, Derna, Baida and Tubruk. Our embassy is in touch with Indians and Indian companies throughout Libya.?
According to Overseas Indian affairs minister Vayalar Ravi on Monday, ?The committee set for monitoring the situation would comprise foreign secretary Nirupama Rao and Overseas Indian Affairs Secretary among others. This committee would be planning to meet any eventuality.?
Ravi said he was in touch with external affairs minister SM Krishna and defence minister AK Antony and has also spoken to the Indian Ambassador in Libya about the situation there and safety of about 18,000 Indians.
Responding to a query whether any evacuation plan is being prepared, he said, ?Nothing has been decided, but the committee will monitor any situation. The government is making all preparations to meet any eventuality so that we can act immediately.?
According to the minister about 18 nurses, who went from Kerala to Libya, spoke to him on Sunday sharing their concerns. India has issued an advisory asking citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the country.
An official spokesperson of the MEA on Sunday had said that the Indian embassy in Tripoli has set up a round-the-clock control room, which can be contacted for information and assistance.
