Punjabi Newly-Weds Stranded in Dubai Amid Regional Tensions
A honeymoon trip has turned into an uncertain wait for a couple from Punjab, who are now stranded in Dubai due to the closure of airspace in the region. Gurpreet Singh and his wife, Rupinder Kaur, from Sardulgarh town in Mansa district, traveled to Dubai on February 27 for their honeymoon and were scheduled to return on March 3. However, with flights suspended, they are now unsure when they will be able to come back home.
Family Expresses Concern and Calls for Government Intervention
Gurpreet's parents, Gurjant Singh and Shavinder Kaur, have voiced their worries about the situation. They stated that Gurpreet, who works in Canada, had come to Sardulgarh on February 11 for the wedding. After the marriage, the couple decided to honeymoon in Dubai. While they are in regular contact and confirm that the couple is safe, the parents are anxious and have urged the Indian government to ensure the safe return of all Indians stuck in Dubai and other affected areas.
Gurjant Singh highlighted that many Punjabis are similarly stranded in Dubai and other locations, emphasizing the need for authorities to facilitate their evacuation. In a text message to a news outlet, Gurpreet mentioned, "We are safe and life here in Dubai is normal, with people engaging in everyday activities as usual. The only problem is the flight because of the closure of airspace. Our return is scheduled on March 3, and we are waiting for updates about resumption of flights." He declined to provide further details.
Political Appeals for Assistance
In a related development, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking intervention for the safe return of a Bathinda-based couple stranded in Dubai. Warring requested that officials at the Indian embassy or consulate in Dubai provide immediate consular assistance, particularly for the woman, Neeru Garg, who has a blood pressure problem and has run out of essential medicines. He stressed the urgency of the situation, calling for medical support and early repatriation.
The couple's predicament underscores the broader challenges faced by Indians abroad during times of regional instability, with many awaiting evacuation or the resumption of flights via alternative routes such as Muscat in Oman.
