SHIMLA: Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today interacted virtually from Shimla with some of over 317  students still stranded in Ukraine due to Russia-Ukraine conflict .  They should adhere to the advisories of Indian embassy at Ukraine to ensure their safety and they would ensure that they are brought back safely from Ukraine, he said.

Chief Minister said that the State Government has also established a Helpline for proper coordination of those stranded in Ukraine. He said that till date 218 people have registered in this Helpline and as many as 102 students of Himachal Pradesh have reached India.  About 317 students of Himachal Pradesh are still stranded in Ukraine and efforts have been geared up to bring back all students home safely, he said.

He also interacted with parents of stranded students and students who have been evacuated and reached India. He said that the students should only move after consultation with the embassy officials and management of their respective institutions. He said the State Government was concerned about safety and security of the students and was making all out efforts for their safe return.

Jai Ram Thakur said that the Government was constantly in touch with the Government of India for the safe evacuation of the students.   He said that the Union Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was fully aware of the situation and has deployed four Union Ministers in different neighbouring countries of Ukraine to monitor and coordinate the evacuation process.

Jai Ram Thakur also urged the parents of students stranded in Ukraine to boost the morale of students. He said the State Government was in constant touch with Government of India and Ministry of External Affairs. He said that officers of the State Government as well as Chief Minister Office were also closely monitoring the situation. He said that the State Government has made elaborate arrangements for bringing home all the students arriving in India free of cost.

Chief Minister also welcomed the students who have arrived safely from Ukraine. Education Minister Govind Singh Thakur, General Secretary Child Welfare Council Payal Vaidya, Principal Secretary GAD Bharat Khera, Principal Private Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. R.N. Batta and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.