Don’t share baseless news: Pinarayi Vijayan

T'puram: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday urged non-resident Keralites living in the Middle East not to believe or spread baseless news and rumours or circulate anything that could create unnecessary panic through social media or other means in the wake of the crisis in the Middle East.The CM said in a statement that the developments have caused deep concern, given the close ties between Kerala and the region. He noted that the Gulf countries were a second home to lakhs of Keralites, whose hard work and sweat contributed significantly to those societies.
Any development there, he said, resonated in families across Kerala, adding that it would not be an exaggeration to say that almost every household in the state has at least one member connected to the Gulf.At this challenging juncture, Vijayan conveyed Kerala's heartfelt solidarity with the Gulf nations and their people. He expressed hope that peace and stability would prevail in the region at all times, and that the authorities there would be able to overcome the crisis through wise decisions rooted in humanity and mutual understanding.The chief minister urged expatriates to strictly follow the instructions issued by the authorities and local administrations in the countries where they reside. He also asked them to remain in constant touch with Indian embassies and consulates and to rely only on official information issued by them.Emphasising unity, he said Keralites have historically overcome major crises by standing together with mutual care and solidarity, and that the same spirit was needed now.The state govt, he said, stands firmly with expatriates and their families in Kerala. The govt is maintaining close coordination with the Union ministry of external affairs to ensure the safety of Malayalis abroad and is intervening at all possible levels.Necessary assistance is being facilitated through Norka and members of the Loka Kerala Sabha in Gulf countries have been requested to continue active engagement in the ongoing efforts.