New Delhi: Amid clashes between anti and pro government forces in South Sudan, Indian government is planning evacuation of its citizens from insurgent hit African nation, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj informed today.
In a series of tweets, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said, "South Sudan - I am aware of the developments in South Sudan. We are planning evacuation of Indian nationals.
"Please register yourself with Indian Embassy and do not panic. Indian nationals are advised not to travel to South Sudan," she said.
Yesterday, Indian embassy in South Sudan had asked Indians stranded there to stay calm, assuring them that they are in constant touch with authorities in India and all options are being considered to provide relief to them amid heavy fighting between South Sudan's army and former rebels.
"The Indian embassy is in regular touch with concerned authorities in India and all options are being considered for providing relief to Indians stranded here in Juba. All are requested to keep calm and await further development and further inputs from the embassy," the advisory said.
According to official data, there are a few hundred Indians in South Sudan. Some of them have set up businesses in Juba and others are working for various companies. A small number of Indian nationals also work in Christian missionary organizations in that country.
The United States has told its citizens it would evacuate all non-essential staff from the country. The Canadian embassy has closed entirely, according to a message sent to its citizens. India is planning to evacuate its citizens, according to a tweet by its external affairs minister.
South Sudan's capital is witnessing heavy fighting due to clashes between forces loyal to the president and vice-president.
More than 200 people are reported to have died in clashes since Friday.
Heavy explosions shaked South Sudan's capital Juba Monday morning as clashes between government and opposition forces entered their fifth day, witnesses say, pushing the country back toward civil war.
A "massive explosion" hit shortly after 9 a.m. followed by further blasts in the Tomping area of Juba, home to embassies, the airport and a U.N. base, said an aid worker.
"It rings through the whole city every time they fire," said the aid worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to press. "I think one of the tanks must be near me, my ears are burning."
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan reported on Twitter that clashes restarted near its compound in Jebel, where some 30,000 civilians have taken refuge. The opposition also has a base near Jebel and their leader, First Vice President Riek Machar, also has his home there.
Two U.N. peacekeepers from China were killed at the base Sunday night, according to Chinese state media. An eyewitness in the U.N. base who was not authorized to speak to the press told AP that he saw a government tank fire on a Chinese armored personnel carrier.
There were 67 injuries and 8 deaths in the U.N. base Sunday, according to an internal situation report circulated among humanitarian organizations and seen by AP. Water tanks have not been able to bring water to the tens of thousands sheltering inside the base.
Some 10,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in Juba and many are sheltering at the two U.N. bases, a World Food Program compound and other areas, said U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs spokeswoman Matilda Moyo.
The weekend clashes escalated following a skirmish last Thursday in which five soldiers were killed. Since then more than 100 people have been reported killed.
(With inputs from agencies)
