The United States-led attack on Iraq has sent many Indians living in the neighbouring country of Kuwait back home. But there are many, including poor laboureres, who are still stuck there.

"We are quite harassed. There are no aircraft to airlift us. We want to return to India because we are completely unsure of the next day," Sudhir Patel, a refinery supervisor, told rediff.com over telephone.

Patel, 44, alleges that the Indian government [embassy] is trying to buy time by saying 'there is no cause for panic'. "But this is not true as the Indian labourers are petrified and they cannot return," he says.

Most companies, including Patel's, have not returned their employees' passports. "Many people say the war will be over in 3-4 days," he says.

"We want to return home. The Indian embassy here is not giving us a proper response. No one is listening to the labourers complaints regarding employers refusal to give back our passport."

According to him, many labourers are trying to get subsidised air tickets from the Indian government to come back.

"This is the major factor. Poor people believe that in time of war the government should understand and show sympathy. Why can't they airlift the labour class for free," asks Patel.

He says that a majority of the Arab companies have refused to bear the cost of the air journey.

Patel plans to return to his hometown of Surat in Gujarat if the war continues.

"You cannot predict what will happen in a war," he says adding food, water and electricity are available in Kuwait.

"Arabs say this war will be won and Saddam Hussein will lose. But so what? It's better to return home and wait for the outcome," he says.