Bengaluru is on high alert as escalating tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran cast a shadow over West Asia. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed the crisis head-on on Monday, assuring that the safety of Kannada-speaking people stranded overseas remains the government’s foremost concern.
With flight disruptions rippling across the region, over 100 Kannadigas are stuck in the UAE, including Dubai, while nine others are marooned in Bahrain. Siddaramaiah revealed these figures based on the latest updates, emphasizing the state’s proactive stance.
Government teams are working tirelessly, maintaining constant communication with affected individuals and officials. The State Emergency Operations Centre, along with district-level centres, has been activated to manage the situation effectively. Coordination is underway with the Ministry of External Affairs, Civil Aviation Ministry, and Indian missions in the affected areas.
The Chief Minister detailed that the Chief Secretary has written to the Centre, seeking urgent measures for the safety, assistance, and possible repatriation of those stranded. A separate letter urges airlines to facilitate return flights swiftly.
Siddaramaiah urged Kannadigas in the region to stay calm, follow advisories from local authorities and Indian embassies, and register with helpdesk numbers. The government is compiling requests to provide all possible aid.
Breaking down the numbers, Ballari tops the list with 32 stranded in UAE, followed by Bengaluru with 25. Other districts include Davangere (9), Chikkamagaluru (5), Vijayapura and Madikeri (4 each), Shivamogga, Raichur, and Mangaluru (3 each), and smaller numbers from Udupi, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, with three unidentified.
In Bahrain, four are from Hassan, three from Udupi, one from Madikeri, and one unknown.
Reiterating the commitment, the CM vowed that Karnataka stands solidly behind its people abroad, leaving no stone unturned for their secure return.