Mumbai, March 2 (NationPress) Amid rising tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, the repercussions have significantly affected Gulf nations, resulting in numerous residents from Maharashtra finding themselves stranded in Dubai.

In a prompt reaction, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has stepped up to guarantee the safety and return of these individuals.

In light of the emerging conflict conditions, citizens from various regions including Thane, Murbad, Pune, and Ahilyanagar, currently in Dubai, have sought assistance from the Deputy CM's office.

Among those requesting urgent aid are 84 students from the Indira School of Business Studies in Pune, who are currently unable to leave Dubai.

Deputy CM Shinde has initiated direct contact with these students via representatives Sanjeev Paithankar and Somnath Patil from the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal in Dubai.

During this communication, Shinde offered crucial support to the worried students and citizens.

“Rest assured; Eknath Shinde stands with you during this challenging time. We are making every possible effort to ensure your safe return to Maharashtra,” Shinde affirmed.

He also updated the stranded individuals that the state government is collaborating closely with the Brihan Maharashtra Mandal to address their immediate needs, such as food and shelter, while they remain in Dubai.

Shinde has been proactive in reaching out to stranded groups through video calls to gauge their safety and mental health.

He has reassured them publicly that the state is in close cooperation with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate their safe return.

Reiterating the government's commitment, Shinde emphasized that the Maharashtra authorities are diligently monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies to assist in their return.

Meanwhile, state officials have directed local district collectors, tehsildars, and talathis (village officials) to compile lists of residents currently in the Gulf, aiding the government in tracking specific groups, including the 84 MBA students from Pune's Indira School of Business and over 40 senior citizens from Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Officials have confirmed that notable figures, including Jalna MP Kalyan Kale, are among those who are safe but remain stranded in Dubai, ensuring the crisis receives the necessary high-level attention.

The state government is functioning as a liaison between families in Maharashtra and the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi along with the Consulate in Dubai. They are advocating for the establishment of "special windows" or evacuation flights as soon as the DGCA and international aviation authorities determine the airspace is secure.

The state has issued an official advisory advising all Maharashtrians currently abroad to stay calm, avoid unnecessary travel, and rely solely on official communications to prevent scams.

While the UAE government is accommodating hotel stays for many stranded transit passengers, the Maharashtra government is collaborating with private travel agencies, such as Girikand Travels, to ensure that independent tourist groups are not left without food or shelter.