Op Sankat Mochan: Indians evacuated from South Sudan reach Delhi

Watch Video: Op Sankat Mochan: Video Of Indian Nationals Evacuated From South Sudan Arriving In Delhi

READ: First flight carrying 156 Indians from South Sudan returns

“We’ve brought back 156 Indian nationals, out of which 85 deplaned at Trivandrum airport. I met Foreign Minister & Vice President of South Sudan and they assured me of all possible help if situation goes bad,” said V K Singh.

Union Minister Vijay Goel at the Delhi airport to receive V K Singh and Indians evacuated from South Sudan.

Singh told the media in Thiruvananthapuram that as many as 550 Indians are in South Sudan. Of them, 156 were flown back to India in the first flight. Around 30 to 40 persons have already booked tickets for their return by commercial flights. However, about 300 are not willing to return now, he said.

In pictures:  Sankat Mochan: Indians return from war-torn South Sudan

Strife-torn south Sudan is witnessing heavy fighting between former rebels and government soldiers.  President Salva Kiir has called for a ceasefire after fighting in Juba left more than 150 dead.

V K Singh received at the Trivandrum airport. (Source: Shaju Philip)

The ceasefire announcement came as United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon called on the Security Council to impose an “immediate arms embargo” and targeted sanctions on leaders and commanders blocking implementation of the peace deal.

The latest exchanges were apparently sparked by a shootout between President Kiir’s and Vice President Riek Machar’s bodyguards.