Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed officials to arrange a special flight to bring back over 40 Kannadigas stranded in Kashmir following the recent terrorist attack. He said those from the state who had gone on a trip to Kashmir were stuck due to the incident and assured that the government is taking swift steps to ensure their safe return.
He also reached out to the families of those killed in the attack to offer his condolences. Two individuals from Karnataka were among the victims of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The Chief Minister contacted Pallavi, the wife of Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, and Sujatha, the wife of Bharat Bhushan from Mathikere in Bengaluru, to offer his condolences, as stated by his office.
Bharat Bhushan was shot and killed by the terrorists, while his wife Sujatha and their three-year-old son were unharmed. Similarly, Manjunath Rao, a realtor, was killed in front of his wife and son. The bodies of the deceased, along with their family members, are expected to return later today.
“More than 40 Kannadigas who were visiting Kashmir are stranded due to the terrorist attack. I have directed the authorities to arrange a special flight to bring them all back safely to our state. Our government is committed to ensuring that every Kannadiga returns safely. There is no need for anyone to worry,” Siddaramaiah said in a post on ‘X’.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged all Karnataka residents currently in Jammu & Kashmir to stay calm and reassured them that the state government had acted swiftly. He mentioned that teams had been deployed, and Minister Santosh Lad had been sent to assist those on the ground. “If you need help, please call 112. Our officers are coordinating with J&K authorities to ensure your safety and provide immediate support. We are here for you, and your safety is our top priority,” he said.
A team of officials was dispatched to Kashmir on Tuesday evening to assist those stranded following the attack.
The state government confirmed that two residents from Karnataka were among the victims of the terrorist attack and has shared helpline numbers to help bring the stranded tourists back home.
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