Ukraine: One Naga student lands in Delhi

Olika Mlato Shikhu with Nagaland House officials after arriving in New Delhi on March 2.

Olika Mlato Shikhu with Nagaland House officials after arriving in New Delhi on March 2.

Two others in safe zone awaiting evacuation

Morung Express News
Kohima | March 2

As India continues to evacuate more Indian nationals from war-hit Ukraine, a Naga medical student has landed in Delhi while the other two medical students are safe and waiting to be evacuated.

Olika Mlato Shikhu who was stuck in war-torn Ukraine arrived closer to home in New Delhi on Wednesday morning. A final year medical student in Poltava, she along with other medical students had reached Poland day before yesterday after walking for a couple of days.

On her arrival, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio also tweeted “Ms. Olika Mlato a student from Nagaland studying in Ukraine reached Delhi this morning. I express my gratitude to the Govt. of India & request the govt. to ensure the safe return of all Indian citizens. Praying for a swift end to the conflict & for peace to prevail.”

Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland and Home Minister Y Patton also expressed his gratefulness to the Government of India for the safe return of Shikhu.

Dr Mulato Shikhu told The Morung Express that his daughter will be arriving in Dimapur on Friday. “I want to thank the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister,” he said.

Olika was accorded a warm welcome at Nagaland House, Delhi by Deputy Resident Commissioner Wennyei Konyak and staff. According to a press release, she arrived from Rzeszow Poland by a special aircraft arranged by Government of India and landed at 10:00 am at Indira Gandhi International Airport New Delhi where Kuolie Mere, Dy. Director and Sr. PRO (IPR) and Airport Protocol Asst. Khiezo Zuyie were assigned to receive her.

The release also stated that she walked for two days along with other Indian medical students to the Poland border after which the Indian Embassy at Poland assisted them from the border to the airport.

The state government has meanwhile assured support and facilitation to all the stranded students and citizens of Nagaland. Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi for all his efforts in leading the mission 'Operation Ganga', Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton also thanked the Union Home Minister, Defence Minister and Minister of External Affairs, their officers and staffs including those posted in foreign embassies.

He stated that he is also constantly monitoring the arrangements and that the government of Nagaland is putting in all its efforts and logistics in locating and bringing back all those Nagas who are still awaiting evacuation.

Urging for the ‘Operation Ganga’ to continue their good work of safely evacuating all Indian nationals, he also called for ensuring that no Naga faces hardships or is left behind. He further reiterated his willingness to extend all possible help and assistance from his end to those stranded Nagas in need, till their safe return.

Two others awaiting evacuation
Meanwhile, Machu Yirackchang who is among the Indian nationals stranded in Uzhhorod city bordering Hungary is moving towards Hungary today as per updates from his brother Mirhu Terieng. “Only after reaching, they will know what to do. If the flight is arranged, they might go straight to the airport or might have to stay back for a day or two,” he informed.

He is relieved that they will be crossing the Ukrainian soil tonight. “They are in a safe zone but unless they cross, it’s hard to say,” he added.

Yirackchang also sent a message on Wednesday evening stating that he is currently on his way to the Hungarian border. “Currently on my way to Hungary border...by tomorrow, I will cross the border and will be in Budapest. I am doing safe and secured by the grace of God,” he said, while expressing gratitude for all the prayers and concern. 

The other student, Amen Aier had told this newspaper that she, along with other Indian students had reached Chisinau, the capital of Moldova on February 28 and was awaiting further instructions from the Indian Embassy.