Patna: Escalating military attacks involving the United States, Israel and Iran have triggered deep anxiety among thousands of families in Bihar whose relatives are working in Gulf and West Asian countries. Many migrant workers who were preparing to return home for Eid are now stranded amid missile strikes, air raid sirens and prolonged blackouts, forcing them to take shelter in labour camps or damaged residential buildings.
In several affected areas, mobile networks are disrupted and flights have been cancelled, cutting off communication. Across Bihar’s villages and towns, parents and family members are spending sleepless nights waiting for a single phone call, anxious to know whether their sons are safe.
Residents from districts including Kishanganj, Buxar, Begusarai, Muzaffarpur, Araria, Purnia and Madhubani remain stuck in the Middle East. Families told reporters that every household is gripped by the same fear: their sons were supposed to return home for Eid, but now their safety and return remain uncertain.
Missiles landing kilometres away
Afzal Raza, a resident of Dumri village in Begusarai, is working with a construction company in the Gulf region. Describing the tense situation, he said thousands of workers are sheltering together in camps as explosions shake the ground at night. “Sirens go off, and the fear becomes unbearable. Missiles are landing six to seven kilometres away, and smoke is clearly visible,” he said, adding that over 100 people from Bihar are staying in the same camp.
Afzal said essential documents, passports and cash are being kept ready in case a sudden evacuation becomes necessary. “Ramzan is going on. We are fasting and offering prayers, but fear is present everywhere,” he said.
His mother, Jaitoon Nisha, said the family was unable to contact him for hours. “When I finally spoke to him, I felt relieved. He went abroad only eight months ago. I pray for his safety and for everyone trapped there,” she said.
Homes damaged, families confined
In Kishanganj, former MLA Mohammad Izhar Asfi said his son Iftakhar Asfi, who lives in Dubai with his family, narrowly escaped harm when a powerful explosion occurred around 20 metres from their residence. The blast damaged walls, shattered glass panes and destroyed furniture.
“Since then, the family has locked themselves in one room. Internet services are down, and we have not been able to speak since afternoon. My granddaughter has been crying continuously, and none of them has slept for two days,” Asfi said, his voice reflecting fear and helplessness.
Biharis hiding in camps in Doha
Several youths from Araria and Madhubani are currently stranded in Doha. Their families said companies have moved employees to camps after air raid alerts were sounded. “We only have one helpline number. Calls connect occasionally,” a family member said.
Vinay Mishra from Araria, speaking from Doha, said, “As soon as the alert sounded, we were gathered at one place and kept in a camp overnight. Families keep calling, but all we can do is reassure them.”
Flights cancelled, travel halted
Three residents from Araria and Purnia, who were scheduled to travel to Qatar, were stopped at Hyderabad airport due to flight cancellations and sent back to Bihar. Airlines have cited unstable conditions in the region as the reason for suspending services.
Shravan Kumar, an engineer from Patna working with an oil company in Kuwait, said all flights were cancelled after missile attacks. “Indians here are safe, but families back home are unable to sleep due to constant worry,” he said.
Hundreds reportedly stranded in Iran
Anand Kumar from Muzaffarpur, who works with a pipeline company in Iran, described the situation as terrifying. “Bombs are falling, the sky turns red suddenly, and the earth shakes with every explosion,” he said, claiming that around 250 to 300 people from Muzaffarpur and nearby areas are currently stranded in Iran. His family in Bihar said they are continuously praying for his safety.
‘If I go offline, something is wrong’
Sujeet Kushwaha from Buxar, stranded in Dubai, posted on social media that if he is not seen online, it should be assumed the situation has worsened. The post left his family deeply shaken. “Explosions were constant, sirens kept blaring and phone calls became difficult,” he said.
Government monitoring situation
Amid growing concerns, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has directed officials to closely monitor the situation. Janata Dal (United) executive national president Sanjay Jha held detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Sanjay Jha said the minister assured that the safety of Indians in Gulf and West Asian countries remains the government’s top priority. “Indian missions are in constant touch with local authorities. Every development is being closely monitored,” he said.
He added that once conditions stabilise, the government will initiate evacuation or other necessary measures without delay. Meanwhile, Indians abroad have been advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary movement and follow official advisories issued by embassies and local administrations.
Back in Bihar, families continue to wait anxiously, holding on to prayers and hope that their loved ones will return home safely.
