New Delhi, March 12: The Government of India has successfully repatriated 266 Indian nationals who were released from cybercrime centres in Southeast Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Wednesday.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft facilitated their safe return.

Taking to social media platform X, the MEA stated, “Government of India arranged for the safe repatriation of 266 Indians yesterday by an IAF aircraft, who were released from cybercrime centres in South East Asia.”

The ministry also highlighted the efforts of Indian embassies, which worked closely with the governments of Myanmar and Thailand to ensure the safe return of the affected individuals.

This repatriation follows a similar operation on Monday when 283 Indians were brought back from Myanmar. These individuals had been lured to Southeast Asian countries with fraudulent job offers and were subsequently forced into cybercrime and other fraudulent activities at scam centres along the Myanmar-Thailand border.

A press release issued by the MEA emphasised the tireless efforts of Indian embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, which coordinated with local authorities to secure the release of those trapped.

The special IAF aircraft deployed on Monday brought back 283 nationals from Mae Sot, Thailand, marking another significant step in India’s ongoing battle against human trafficking and cybercrime rackets in the region.

Reiterating its advisories, the MEA urged Indian citizens to exercise caution regarding fraudulent job offers. The ministry stressed the importance of verifying foreign employers’ credentials through Indian missions abroad and thoroughly checking recruiting agents and companies before accepting overseas job opportunities.

The Indian government has frequently cautioned its citizens about the dangers of falling prey to unsolicited job offers from unknown sources, as many of these scams have led to individuals being exploited and forced into illegal activities.

The recent repatriation was made possible through collaboration between Indian authorities, Myanmar’s Union authorities, and local groups operating in the Myawaddy area of Myanmar, where several victims had been detained.

The Indian Embassy in Myanmar also acknowledged the success of the operation in a post on X, stating, “In coordination with Myanmar’s Union authorities and local groups, 283 Indian nationals at scam compounds in Myawaddy area of Myanmar were released and repatriated yesterday through Mae Sot in Thailand. Strongly reiterate our advice against such job offers.”

Earlier, on February 11, eight more Indian nationals were deported from Myawaddy scam centres to Mae Sot, Thailand, as part of a larger group of 19 foreigners. At the time, the Indian Embassy in Myanmar had confirmed that 133 Indian nationals had been released. “We reaffirm our warning against job offers in this area,” the embassy stated.

With these recent operations, the Indian government continues its proactive efforts to combat human trafficking and protect its citizens from fraudulent overseas job schemes.

Shahjahanpur, March 11: In a bid to maintain peace and ensure the safety of religious places during the upcoming Holi celebrations, the district administration of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has taken a unique precautionary step with over 60 mosques in the region been covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of the famous ‘Joota Maar Holi,’ a colourful and chaotic event known for its exuberant processions and exuberant revelry.

The decision comes after extensive discussions with religious leaders and local authorities, aimed at preventing the mosques from being smeared with colours or, in some cases, shoes during the festivities.

Shahjahanpur is home to one of the most distinctive Holi traditions, where people engage in a playful ‘Joota Maar Holi’ during a procession that spans approximately 10 kilometres. The festivities attract thousands of participants, often leading to uncontrolled chaos, making the precautionary measures necessary.

To prevent damage to the mosques and ensure the smooth flow of the celebrations, the district administration, with the support of local religious leaders, decided to cover mosques and other religious structures with tarpaulin.

This is intended to keep them protected from the shoe hitting, colour splashes and potential disruptions associated with the event. Authorities have also planned for additional security measures, including surveillance and monitoring by police personnel in military uniforms, as well as the use of drones to keep a watchful eye on religious places during the celebrations.

While the Muslim community in Shahjahanpur has expressed their support for these protective measures, they have emphasised that the covering of mosques is in everyone’s best interest. By ensuring that no colour falls on their religious places, the atmosphere will remain undisturbed, allowing everyone to enjoy the festivities peacefully. The initiative has been broadly accepted, and religious leaders have voiced their approval after attending peace committee meetings with local officials.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh S. reassured the public, stating, “We have covered the mosques and are deploying special security around all religious structures. We are monitoring them with both videography and drone surveillance to ensure safety. The peace committee has given its approval, and the cooperation from the minority community is commendable.”

The district administration is hopeful that the celebrations will proceed without incident, maintaining the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—the spirit of communal harmony—for which the city is known.

Moradabad, March 11: The festival of colors will be celebrated with great pomp across the country on March 14. In view of the festival, the timing of Friday prayers has been extended in Jama Masjid of Moradabad. When Holi and Jumma happen together, Namaz will be offered at 2:30 pm instead of 1 pm in the city Jama Masjid. City Imam Syed Masoom Ali Azad has appealed to Muslims to offer Friday prayers in mosques near them on Holi.

The Imam also announced to extend the time of Friday prayers. He says that the month of Ramadan is going on and during this time a large number of Namazis come to the mosques. Therefore, it has been decided to extend the time of Friday prayers.

Imam Syed Masoom Ali Azad said that on March 14 (Friday), Friday prayers will be offered at 2.30 pm in Moradabad’s Jama Masjid. He said that I appeal to the people coming from far away for namaz to offer Friday namaz in the mosques near them instead of coming to Jama Masjid. Because Holi is also celebrated on that day. People of Hindu community will play Holi on that day. So that people do not throw colors on you on the way, you should offer Friday namaz in the mosques near you.

He appealed to the Muslims to maintain peace and harmony. The month of Ramzan is a month of prayer, patience and tolerance. Be patient and tolerate, this is my appeal to you.