Hostage to distant war, 1.25L UP workers stranded in Gulf
What's the story
Over 1.25 lakh people from Lucknow and nearby districts, including masons, construction workers, technicians, drivers, and religious tourists, are stuck in Gulf countries due to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. The war has entered its seventh day on Friday and disrupted travel plans for many who were scheduled to return to India soon. The situation is particularly alarming for families in Lucknow, where residents have reported hearing sirens and explosions during phone calls with their loved ones abroad.
Travel chaos
Airlines suspend services due to conflict
The disruption of air travel has worsened the situation, with airlines canceling or suspending services due to the conflict and restricted airspace. This has left many passengers scheduled to return home stuck abroad. In Lucknow alone, around 115 flights operate every week between the city and various Gulf destinations. The family of Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad is among those affected by this crisis.
Personal impact
Iranian missile strikes near Shia cleric's son's residence
Jawad's son, Kalbe Ahmed, has been studying in Qom, Iran, for nearly six years, and missile strikes have occurred near his residence. "By the grace of God, they are safe, but the situation there is tense and uncertain," said Jawad. Another Lucknow family is also worried about a member in Iran. Ravish Zaidi works as a reporter with Iranian state television in Tehran and recently underwent open-heart surgery.
Regional worry
Barabanki residents also worried about their family members
Residents of Barabanki district are also worried about their loved ones working in Israel as construction laborers. Ankur Singh and Rajpal Singh are among them, working near Tel Aviv. They have been advised to stay in safer areas as construction work has been temporarily stopped due to the escalating conflict. The Uttar Pradesh government is closely monitoring the situation and collecting details of residents currently in the Middle East for possible assistance.
Government response
MEA activates emergency helplines
The Ministry of External Affairs has also activated emergency helplines through Indian embassies in the region. Authorities are working with airlines and diplomatic missions to help Indians stranded in conflict zones once flight operations resume. However, thousands of families across Lucknow, Barabanki, and other districts remain uncertain as they wait anxiously for news from their loved ones abroad.