Johannesburg, 3 February (H.S.): In view of the deteriorating security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Embassy of India in Kinshasa has advised all Indian citizens residing in Bukavu to move to safe places immediately.
The embassy said in an ongoing consultation that the M23 rebel group has reached a distance of only 20-25 kilometers from Bukavu, making the situation there more sensitive. In view of this scenario, Indian citizens have been asked to leave for safe places as soon as possible.
The Embassy has issued a helpline number (+243 – 890024313) and an email id to contact in case of emergency. Also, Indian citizens have been strongly advised to remain vigilant and avoid travel.
The advisory also clarified that airports, borders and commercial routes are currently open, allowing Indian citizens to reach safe destinations.
According to Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman for the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, Goma is home to about 1,000 Indian citizens, most of whom fled to safer places as soon as the conflict began. In addition, around 1,200 Indian soldiers are serving in Congo under the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
The Indian Embassy is constantly monitoring the situation and is ready to extend assistance to citizens as needed. Citizens are urged to be vigilant and not take unnecessary risks.
Hindusthan Samachar
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