New Delhi: India yesterday said it has been following with concern the developments in Egypt where over 600 people, mostly supporters of ousted president Mohammed Mursi, have been killed and urged both sides to abjure violence and engage in dialogue.
In a statement, the external affairs ministry spokesperson also said that the Indian mission in Cairo is in close touch with the Indian community, who number around 3,000, and with the Indian companies to ensure their continued safety.
“We have been following the recent developments in Egypt with concern, particularly the tragic loss of large number of lives in Cairo and other cities. We urge all sides to abjure violence, exercise maximum restraint and engage in an earnest dialogue that will promote national reconciliation and permit an early transition towards a stable and peaceful democratic set-up,” the statement said.
“Our Mission in Cairo is in close contact with all sections of the Indian community and with the Indian companies that have a presence in Egypt. We are maintaining active liaison with the concerned authorities to ensure their continued safety,” the spokesperson said.
The army-backed Egyptian government led by interim President Adly Mansour cracked down on the sit-ins by tens of thousands of Mursi supporters on Wednesday, leading to violence in which over 600 people, mostly protesters, were killed.
The violence on Wednesday is said to be by far the deadliest day since the 2011 popular uprising began in Egypt and saw the toppling of long-time ruler Hosni Mubarak.
Both pro and anti -Mursi camps have been holding huge protests across Egypt.
IANS
