Indians in war-torn Libya unwilling to return: K V Thomas

Despite repeated advisories by Indian mission in the wake of worsening security situation in Libya, hundreds of Indians are unwilling to return home from the war-torn country, according to Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee K V Thomas.
The Congress MP, who is currently visiting Malta, has met Indian Ambassador to Libya and discussed the issue of bringing back Indians stranded in the war-torn country.
"Around 2,000 Keralites are still in crisis-hit Libya. Security situation is worsening day by day in that country. But many of the Indians are not willing to return to India. That is a huge challenge," Thomas said in a release here after his meeting with High Commissioner Azar A H Khan in Malta.

Khan is serving as Ambassador of India to Libya and High Commissioner to Malta.
Thomas, who represents Ernakulam constituency in Lok Sabha, said Khan informed him about the efforts being made by the union government to bring home its citizens.
"Despite offering free air tickets and other facilities, many of them are not willing to return," said Thomas, who is in Malta to attend a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee Chairmen from the Commonwealth countries.

The former Union Minister said almost all nations have closed down their embassies and Indian High Commission was the one still functioning in Libya.

In view of the fragile security situation in Libya, the Indian mission has issued several advisories for the Indian nationals, including those in the conflict cities and zones in Eastern and Western Libya, to use all available means for exiting the nation.
In its latest advisory issued on March 11, it has asked the Indian nationals not to take up any employment in Libya in view of the worsening security situation.