The brewing storm in West Asia, fueled by US-Israel-Iran standoffs, has triggered travel chaos, stranding scores of Kannadigas. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stepped into the spotlight Monday, declaring the protection of overseas Kannada speakers as priority number one.
Latest reports indicate more than 100 are immobilized in the UAE (Dubai included) and nine in Bahrain due to grounded flights and restricted airspace. Siddaramaiah laid out a comprehensive action plan to navigate this ordeal.
Relief operations are in full swing, with government personnel engaging directly with victims for precise intel and swift aid delivery. All emergency control rooms—from state headquarters to districts—are mobilized. Seamless collaboration persists with MEA, aviation authorities, and Indian consulates on the ground.
Proactive diplomacy features prominently: the Chief Secretary’s communications to Delhi demand safeguards, aid, and evacuation options. Airlines face parallel entreaties for expedited flights and passenger assistance.
Addressing the diaspora directly, the CM implored calm, strict compliance with official directives, and immediate registration through designated channels. Requests are being aggregated for targeted interventions.
A granular breakdown reveals Ballari’s heavy toll at 32 in UAE, Bengaluru’s 25, Davangere’s 9, then Chikkamagaluru (5), Vijayapura (4), Madikeri (4), Shivamogga (3), Raichur (3), Mangaluru (3), Udupi (2), Chitradurga (2), Kalaburagi (2), Chikkaballapura (2), Tumakuru (1), and three without district details.
Bahrain counts four from Hassan, three Udupi, one Madikeri, one unknown.
Siddaramaiah affirmed Karnataka’s ironclad support, promising exhaustive measures for safety and homecoming.