Jaipur: Six Bikaner youths who had gone for work and a group of devotees from Jodhpur were among several Rajasthani people who returned home Thursday after being stranded in Dubai amid the war in West Asia.The families celebrated the safe return of their loved ones, even as the returnees shared the difficulties they faced. The youths from Bikaner recollected the terrifying missile attacks in their neighbourhood.“Explosions near our building kept us awake at nights. We were forced to leave in a hurry, carrying only our hand baggage and leaving everything else behind,” said Rajendra Acharya. “We were scared but managed to reach Muscat. From there, we flew to Goa and Delhi before finally arriving in Bikaner,” Acharya said.Ravi Pugalia said their families were deeply worried. “Our families grew anxious as the situation worsened. We had no choice but to leave immediately,” Pugalia said, adding that the Government of India should assist those still stranded in the region.A member of the Jodhpur group, who was in Dubai on a religious trip, said the govt should act quickly. “There are still many people in the Gulf countries who need help to return,” he said.The group expressed relief after reaching home and expressed appreciation for the authorities in Muscat.The devotees had originally planned to return on Feb 28 but were forced to stay longer due to cancellation of flights. “After bombings near Abu Dhabi airport, we were terrified. But thanks to the help of other Indians in Dubai and the efforts of the Maheshwari community, we were able to return,” said Triloki Nath, a devotee. Kailash Bothra, another devotee, said, “We were forced to spend three times more money due to cancellation of flights. The Indian and local govts did not provide any assistance.” PTI
