MEA advises some Indian expats to leave Yemen

New Delhi, Mar. 11 (ANI): The Indian Government on Friday said that in view of the evolving situation in Yemen, Indian nationals residing in Yemen, whose presence was not essential, particularly families, may consider leaving the country by commercial means available.

A Ministry of External Affairs statement also advised that all non-essential travel to Yemen may be avoided until the situation in that country improves.

The MEA advisory was issued as tens of thousands of anti-government and pro-government protesters took to the streets of Yemen capital Sana"""a after Friday prayers.

Protesters against President Ali Abdullah Saleh"""s 32-year rule gathered at Sana"""a University in the capital, with crowds stretched back about two kilometers.

In a counter rally in the capital's Tahrir Square, tens of thousands of Saleh loyalists gathered, touting pictures of the 68-year-old leader.

The demonstrations followed the March 10 proposal by Saleh, a U.S. ally against Al-Qaeda's Yemen-based wing, for a new constitution to be put to referendum within the year and new electoral laws to ensure equal representation.

Opposition figures rejected the offer, calling it "too little, too late." (ANI)