Shimla, March 3 -- Himachal Pradesh Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan on Tuesday said that the State government is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) over the Himachalis stranded in West Asia amid escalating tensions.

"We have also spoken directly to the Secretary of the Central Government. Directions have been issued, and the Chief Minister has also taken up the matter," Chauhan told ANI.

Chauhan added that the people stranded there are safe and remain in touch with their families. "Appropriate steps will be taken through the Ministry of External Affairs at the right time," he said.

He further noted that airspace in the Middle East is currently closed and no commercial flights ...