The Indian government is strongly concerned by the upheavals in Libya and condemns the use of force against protestors, a statement issued by the Indian Foreign Ministry said.
According to international organizations, up to 500 people have been killed and up to 4,000 wounded in clashes with government forces since protests against longtime Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime began on February 15.
The use of force "is totally unacceptable and must not be resorted to," the statement said. India also expressed hopes "that calm is restored at the earliest without any further violence."
India is currently pondering the possibilities how to evacuate the nearly 18,000 Indians who work and live in Libya. The government assured it would take "necessary measures, as warranted by the situation," to ensure their welfare.
Moscow, February 23 (RIA Novosti)
