Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing concern about the rising tensions in the Middle East affecting Kannadigas and other Indians stranded in the region. The Chief Minister highlighted that flight operations have been disrupted due to airspace restrictions in West Asian countries, leaving many stranded, especially in transit hubs like the United Arab Emirates.
The security situation in the region, with hostilities and civilian airspace closures, has caused distress among affected individuals and their families in Karnataka and across India. Siddaramaiah’s office has contacted the Ministry of External Affairs for urgent coordination to assist Kannadigas and explore repatriation measures.
Efforts are underway to coordinate with airlines for necessary support, such as rescheduling, penalty waivers, and interim assistance for stranded passengers. Siddaramaiah has urged the Indian government to enhance engagement through embassies, provide continuous monitoring, and prepare for potential evacuation flights to ensure the safe return of citizens.
The Chief Minister proposed the establishment of a task force for better coordination among ministries, states, and airlines, along with a digital system for registration and information dissemination. He also called for advisory directions to airlines for travel flexibility and humanitarian aid, emphasizing the need for a swift and compassionate national response to safeguard lives.
