A couple from Jharkhand who went to Dubai for their honeymoon have been stranded there due to escalating tensions in West Asia. After widespread flight cancellations, thousands of travellers are stuck in Dubai. The couple, Atul Oraon and Dr. Kanchan Bara, who married in Ranchi on February 22, went to Dubai for their honeymoon on February 27. They were scheduled to fly back to India on March 4; however, their flight was cancelled because of the geopolitical situation.
Due to rising tension between the United States, Israel and Iran, many flights were cancelled from Dubai International Airport. Travellers are stranded in the city and are only permitted to move inside the hotel and some public spaces.
No clarity on when flights will resume
Atul Oraon, an employee of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), posted on social media that his visit, one of the happiest moments of his life, has turned into an anxious wait. “We had come to Dubai to celebrate one of the most special moments of our lives, but the situation suddenly changed,” he wrote.
He further shared that they were supposed to board IndiGo flight (6C1462) scheduled to depart from Dubai but it was cancelled. It hasn’t been rescheduled or rebooked, making their return plans uncertain. “There is panic among tourists because there is no clarity on when flights will resume,” Oraon said. Regarding facilities provided by the Dubai government, he said that even though local authorities announced free accommodation and meals for tourists, they haven’t received any such facilities from the hotel where they are staying.
Talking about the tension and unusual situation, Dr. Kanchan Bara said, “There is silence everywhere. So far we are safe, but the anxiety is growing with every passing moment.” She also said that they are hopeful to return soon and reunite with their families.
Request PM Modi and CM Hemant Soren to Intervene
Appealing to the Prime Minister and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the couple asked for help with their safe return to India. At the same time, family members in Ranchi are closely monitoring developments and are constantly in touch with the couple. Family members have also requested the Jharkhand government to intervene on humanitarian grounds. They sent a request to CM Hemant Soren to bring them back and coordinate with the Centre and the Indian Embassy in the UAE.
Family members emphasised that this ongoing issue affects many Indians stranded in the conflict region.
