Indian evacuees from Lebanon return home
	Saturday, July 22, 2006 (Chennai/Mumbai): The first batch of Indian evacuees airlifted from Cyprus returned to Mumbai and Chennai to the relief of their families. More than 600 Indians were airlifted on Friday evening from Larnaca in Cyprus after their evacuation from trouble torn Lebanon. Two special air India aircraft brought back these evacuees home. While 261 Indians were brought to Mumbai, around 341 people were taken to Chennai. Not an easy journey Though it feels good to be back home, some of these Indians had a lot of trouble getting onto the flight as their employers had their passports. "The last two weeks have been a nightmare for me. I never witnessed such destruction in my life. I am very safe to be back in my own land and thankful to the government of India," said Vijay Kumar, an electrician from Delhi who left the country for greener pastures just a month ago. Although it is familiar territory, the long journey home doesn't end here. Most of them are labourers from North India and arrangements are now being made by the state government to ensure that they reach home safely. The evacuees, mostly small time labourers, were also given food packets and Rs 500 to help them on their way. Meanwhile, a batch of evacuees arrived in the capital this morning. Nearly 50 of them have proceeded to Amritsar. Mixed reactions for Indians, glad to be back home but upset at losing their jobs in Lebanon.