Nearly 200 killed in Libyan unrest, Indians safe

Tripoli/New Delhi : Large numbers of people are reported to have died in the Libyan city of Benghazi this weekend where the troops are alleged to have fired on funeral processions, media reports said.

At least 200 people have been killed in Libyan city of Benghazi since Wednesday where protests against the four decade old rule of Muammar Gaddafi has been challenged, media reports said.

The situation aggravated as the anti-Gaddafi protesters moved near the Libyan capital Tripoli.

Meanwhile, the Indian External Affairs Ministry issued a statement on Sunday which mentioned that nearly 18,000 Indian origin people who stay in Libya are safe.

?All Indians numbering around 18,000 are safe in Libya. We are following the situation closely. Presently disturbances have mainly been reported in north-eastern cities of Benghazi, Derna, Baida & Tubruk,? the MEA statement said.

The Indian advisory has also mentioned that Indians should try to avoid ?non-essential? travel to Libya at the present moment.

?In view of the prevailing situation in Libya, Indian nationals are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Libya, for the present,? the statement said.

The Embassy of India in Tripoli has set up a round the clock control room which can be contacted for further information or assistance. The contact numbers are:

+218 213 409 288
+ 218 213 409 289
+ 218 213 409 284