The Government of India issued their latest advisory on Thursday for Indian nationals stranded in Kharkiv. The brochure is an advisory of dos and don’ts.
The embassy of India in Ukraine has also uploaded a Google form on their account asking Indian students stranded in Kharkiv, excluding Pisochyn, to fill up details immediately.
Russia on 24 February had declared a ‘Special Operation’ on its neighbouring country, thereby putting the lives of millions of Ukrainian citizens and foreign students in Ukraine at risk.
The statement comes after Russian President Vladimir Putin told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron that Russia’s operation in Ukraine would be completed at any cost.
Putin also said that any attempts by Kyiv to delay negotiations would result in Moscow adding more items to its list of demands.
The list published by the Indian government talks about potentially dangerous situations like:
- Aerial raids.
- Attacks by aircraft/drones.
- Artillery Shelling, Missile attacks.
- Small Arms/Gunfire.
- Grenade Explosions.
- Molotov Cocktails.
- Building Collapse.
- Falling Debris.
- Internet Jamming.
- Lack of Electricity/Food/Water.
- Exposure to freezing temperature.
- Psychological Trauma/feeling of Panic.
- Injuries/Lack of medical support.
- Lack of Transportation.
- A face-to-face situation with armed fighters/military personnel.
The advisory also said that stranded nationals should learn basic Russian to communicate that they are from India. Its advisory suggested learning the following sentences.
Я студентизИндии (I am a student from India)
Я некомбатант (I am a non-combatant)
Пожалуйстапомогите (Please help me)
Do’s:
- Compile and Share Information with your fellow Indians
- Remain mentally strong/Do not panic
- Organise yourselves in small groups/squads of ten Indian students/within that organise buddy/pair system/nominate a coordinator and a deputy coordinator in each group of ten persons
- Your presence and whereabouts must always be known to your buddy /small group coordinator.
- When stationary, do regular deep breathing mild movement of limbs to maintain good blood circulation.
- Pack minimum personal belongings (other than the emergency kit), preferably in a small backpack suitable for long trek/walking.
- Be ready to move under instructions at short notice/do not carry large bags to avoid slowing down fatigue and crowding.
- If stopped by military check-post or by police/armed personnel/militia – Cooperate/Obey/Raise your hands with open palms facing forward above your shoulders/Remain polite/Provide necessary information/Contact the Control Room/Helpline when possible without confrontation.
- Movement for evacuation should be done in coordination with authorities as guided by Control Room/Helpline.
Dont’s:
- Avoid stepping out from your bunker/basement/shelter at all times.
- Do not go to downtown/crowded areas.
- Do not join local protestors or militia.
- Refrain from commenting on social media.
- Do not take pictures/selfies with military vehicles/troops/soldiers/check posts/militia.
- Do not try and film live combat situations.
- In the event of warning sirens, take immediate shelter wherever possible. If you are in the open, lie flat on your stomach and cover your head with your backpack.
- Do not consume alcohol/refrain from substance abuse.
- Do not wear wet socks to avoid chill blains/frostbite. Wherever possible, remove your shoes and dry your socks and other wet belongings.
- Do not light fires in enclosed spaces.
- Don’t pick up weapons or any unexploded ammunition/shells.
- Avoid unstable/damaged buildings and be mindful of falling/flying debris.
- Stay away from glass windows to avoid injury from flying glass during explosions or gunfire.
- At check-posts, do not alarm the armed personnel by suddenly reaching for things/documents in your pockets unless told to do so.
- Do not engage in sudden or jerky movements when confronted by armed personnel.
