 "148 Indian children, 38 officials in Turkey safe: Government")
All 148 Indian children and 38 officials who are in Turkey for World Schools Sports Meet are safe, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Saturday.
Turkey is witnessing violence after an attempted military coup in which at least 250 people have died.
"There are 148 Indian children and 38 officials in Trapzon #Turkey. They are all safe.
"The games are on. They will start returning in batches from 18th July," Swaraj tweeted.
India has been closely following the developments in Turkey and has advised its nationals to stay indoors until the situation becomes clearer.
"India calls upon all sides 2 support democracy & mandate of the ballot, & avoid bloodshed," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
The Indian Embassy has also set up emergency helplines to assist Indian nationals in Ankara (+905303142203) and Istanbul (+905305671095).
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A senior official from School Games Federation Of India (SGFI) assured that all the students are safe as the sporting activities are being held 1200 kms from affected area.
"There is nothing to worry about as far as safety of students are concerned. They are all safe and secured almost 1200 kms from where the actual problem has taken place.
"SGFI has contacted the students as well their parents and we will continue the correspondence. They will all be back after the conclusion of Games on July 18," the official said from SGFI head office in Agra.