Libya crisis: India firms up evacuation plans

New Delhi (PTI) - India is keeping a close watch
on the situation in Libya, where the death toll in anti-
government protests has crossed 300, and is awaiting clearance
for landing of its aircraft and for ships to evacuate its
nationals.
"Just spoke to our Ambassador (M Manimekalai) in
Tripoli. She awaits clearance for landing of our aircraft and
for our ships. One ship arriving Egypt on Wednesday," Indian
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said in a tweet.
She said from Egypt access to eastern coast of Libya
will be relatively quick and less difficult.
"Our Ambassador is in touch with our nurses in
Benghazi. Regular civilian flights still operating in to and
out of Tripoli, I understand," Rao said.
The Indian Ambassador "is also in touch with our
Indian community in smaller Libyan cities. She and our Mission
are doing their very best," the Foreign Secretary said.
According to reports, over 300 people have been
killed so far in the brutal crackdown against protesters
demanding an end to Muammar Gadhafi's 41-year rule in Libya.
India on Tuesday deplored the use of force by Libyan
authorities against anti-government protesters and said it was
working on a "mammoth" operation to evacuate about 18,000
Indian nationals from the North African nation.