Bengaluru: As many as 109 people from Karnataka are stranded in parts of West Asia amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, the office of chief minister Siddaramaiah said Monday.According to the CMO’s statement, 100 Kannadigas are currently held up in Dubai in the UAE and nine in Bahrain because of airspace disruptions and flight cancellations. Of the 100 stranded in the UAE, the highest number — 32 — are from Ballari, followed by Bengaluru (25), Chikkamagaluru (5), Madikeri (4), Vijayapura (4), Davanagere (9), Shivamogga (3), Raichur (3), Mangaluru (3), Udupi (2), Chitradurga (2), Kalaburagi (2), Chikkaballapur (2), and Tumakuru (1); the district details of the remaining three persons are yet to be confirmed. In Bahrain, four of the stranded persons are from Hassan district, three from Udupi, one from Madikeri, and one from an unidentified district. Siddaramaiah has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate evacuation preparedness, enhance diplomatic outreach, and establish an inter-ministerial mechanism to protect Kannadigas and other Indians. In the letter, he expressed grave concern over the rapidly evolving security situation in the region, which has led to flight cancellations and widespread uncertainty for residents, workers, students, and travellers from the country.Referring to recent advisories issued by the Union ministry of civil aviation regarding airspace restrictions and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) declared by several West Asian countries, the CM said a large number of Indian nationals have been stranded, particularly in major transit hubs such as the UAE.Siddaramaiah also claimed to have interacted on video with some of the stranded people. “I’ve spoken with Kannadigas stranded in Dubai and reassured them. After discussions with officials, I’ve gathered information on the situation and instructed the chief secretary to coordinate with external affairs ministry officials to bring them back safely,” he added.Coordinating with CentreRevenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the state govt has taken up the matter with the Centre and is awaiting clearance of air traffic to facilitate their return. “Everyone has been asking whether special flights or any other arrangements will be made to bring people back to Karnataka. We’ve taken up this matter with the central govt and sought their intervention. The Centre has informed us that as air traffic is currently suspended, no flights can operate. However, as soon as air traffic is cleared, the Centre will make arrangements for return travel, either through special flights or regular airline services,” the minister said, adding that all 109 stranded individuals have contacted the helpline and shared their details. Meanwhile, in Mysuru, Union minister HD Kumaraswamy said the central govt has taken all necessary measures to ensure the safe return of those stranded. He pointed out that on several previous occasions/similar crises, the Modi govt had safely evacuated Indians. Claiming he has personally contacted those stranded and promising their safe return, Kumaraswamy urged citizens not to entertain doubts or panic.
