Bhubaneswar, March 2: Amid the Middle East conflict triggered by the US-Israel strikes on Iran, BJD president and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Monday requested External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to take immediate measures to ensure the safe return of Odias, caught in the crossfire.

Taking to ‘X’, the former Chief Minister said, “The escalating conflict in the Middle East has left many people from #Odisha including migrant workers, professionals, students, tourists stranded. With disruption of air connectivity many people are facing grave uncertainty. Their safety and well-being are at risk, and they look to the nation for urgent support.”

“I request the Government of India (@DrSJaishankar) to take immediate steps to ensure the safe evacuation and return of all Odias caught in this crossfire. Swift action will not only protect lives but also reassure countless families back home who are anxiously awaiting to hear about the wellbeing of their loved ones,” Patnaik wrote.

Yesterday, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harchandan told media persons that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is in talks with the Centre to ensure the safe return of Odias stranded in conflict-hit West Asia following the US-Israel strikes in Iran.

The war in the Middle East started when the US in alliance with Israeli forces launched massive air and missile strikes across Iranian territory on February 28 killing Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A day later, Iran responded with a series of missile and drone attacks against US bases and Israeli targets across the Gulf region, sparking fears of a broader regional conflagration.

The conflict has also begun to disrupt civil aviation across the Gulf. Several airlines have suspended or curtailed services as the exchange of strikes continues.