Published Apr 26, 2025 | 9:32 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 26, 2025 | 9:32 PM
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah speaking to the media.
Synopsis: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking to the media in Mysuru on 25 April, opposed war with Pakistan, urging the Centre to strengthen security to ensure peace in Kashmir. He added that, following central directives, Karnataka would identify and deport Pakistani nationals. Efforts are underway to gather data, especially in Bengaluru, where numbers are reportedly higher.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday,25 April, while speaking to the media in Mysuru responded to the touchy question of war.
On whether India should wage war against Pakistan, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made his stance clear: “We are not in favour of war. The central government must enhance security to ensure peace in Kashmir.”
At least three people from Karnataka and an Intelligence Bureau officer posted in Hyderabad, Telangana, were among those killed in the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday, 22 April.
Following the tragic news, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had convened an emergency meeting with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and top police officers.
He directed them to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Kannadigas in Kashmir and extend all necessary support to the bereaved family. A team of officials were dispatched to Kashmir, and police officers from Karnataka also travelled to assist on the ground.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that following the directions of the central government, action will be taken to gather information about any Pakistani nationals who might be residing in Karnataka and send them back.
He further mentioned that information is being collected about the number of Pakistanis in various cities across the state, and particularly in Bengaluru, where there seems to be a higher number.
Touching upon the issue of the Union government’s admission of a security lapse in the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir, CM Siddaramaiah said that greater security should have been provided at tourist locations that receive a high number of visitors.
He recalled that in the past, too, 40 soldiers had lost their lives in the Pulwama attack. He stressed that there was a clear security failure.
“Tourists had trusted the central government for their safety. Now, even if the central government takes any action, can the lives of the 26 people who died be brought back?” he questioned.
About the safety of Karnataka citizens, he added that minister Santosh Lad had been deployed to ensure the safe return of Kannada-speaking people trapped in Kashmir, and he successfully brought them back safely to Karnataka.
The Karnataka Chief Minister’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, R Ashoka, accused the Chief Minister of lacking basic judgment about what to say in sensitive situations.
Reacting to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, allegedly carried out by Pakistani-sponsored Islamic terrorists, Ashoka stressed that such incidents are not merely security issues but challenges to India’s sovereignty and dignity.
“In such times, the nation must speak in one voice, beyond party lines. The Central Government has convened an all-party meeting, taking everyone into confidence. Even your Congress party’s national leadership has pledged full support to any decision taken,” Ashoka said.
He added that India’s professional armed forces are fully capable of determining the right response without needing unsolicited advice.
Ashoka further alleged that Karnataka faces internal security threats, with thousands of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Rohingya, and Pakistan living freely. “First, identify and deport them. Focus on the safety of Kannadigas instead of interfering in matters beyond your purview,” he said.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
