New Delhi: The government on Monday said it
has set up a committee to monitor the situation in Libya and
prepare plans to meet any eventuality in wake of the
unprecedented protest there against the Moammar Gadhafi
regime.
"The committee would comprise Foreign Secretary and
Overseas Indian Affairs Secretary among others. This committee
would be planning to meet any eventuality," said Overseas
Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi.
Ravi said he is in touch with Foreign 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.
When asked whether any evacuation plan is being
prepared, he said, "Nothing has been decided, but the
committee will monitor any situation."
"Government is making all preparations to meet any
eventuality so that we can act immediately," he said.
The minister said about 18 nurses, who went from
Kerala to Libya, spoke to him yesterday sharing their
concerns.
India has issued an advisory asking citizens to avoid
non-essential travel to that country.
An official spokesperson of the Ministry of External
Affairs had said yesterday that the Indian embassy in Tripoli
has set up a round-the-clock control room, which can be
contacted for information and assistance.
Protesters in Libya have been demanding ouster of
Gadhafi, who has been in power for 42 years. According to
rights groups, security forces have reportedly killed nearly
100 anti-regime protesters in the last one week.
PTI
