109 from Karnataka stranded in UAE, Bahrain after West Asia airspace closure
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Bengaluru: According to data released by the Karnataka government on Monday, at least 109 persons from Karnataka are stranded in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain after the airspace closures in parts of West Asia following the February 28 attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel.
According to a report published by The Hindu, officials informed that 100 persons are currently stranded in the UAE, mainly in Dubai, while nine are in Bahrain after several countries issued NOTAMs, which disrupted international flight operations.
District-wise figures show Ballari accounts for 32 stranded passengers in the UAE which is followed by Bengaluru with 25 and Davanagere with nine. Chikkamagaluru has five affected persons. Kodagu and Vijayapura have four each. Dakshina Kannada, Shivamogga and Raichur account for three each. Chikkaballapura, Chitradurga, Kalaburagi and Udupi have two stranded persons each, and one person is from Tumakuru.
Among those stranded in Bahrain, four are from Hassan, three from Udupi, one from Kodagu and one from an unspecified district, as reported by The Hindu.
Relief Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the Revenue Department (Disaster Management) Munish Moudgil, was quoted by The Hindu as saying that following directions from the Chief Minister and the Revenue Minister, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) have been activated and are functioning round the clock.
He said details of the 109 stranded persons, received at the SEOC and DEOCs as of 10 am on March 2, have been forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi for further coordination.
The SEOC and DEOCs are regularly updating advisories issued by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries. Embassy- and consulate-wise helpline numbers have been circulated through official channels.
Moudgil urged residents from Karnataka in the affected countries to follow local advisories, remain in contact with Indian missions and register on the Sarthi Sahayata portal. He said standard operating procedures for coordination of returning passengers at Indian airports would be issued once evacuation efforts are initiated by the Ministry of External Affairs.
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Siddaramaiah writes to PM Modi, seeks protection for Kannadaigas amid tensions in Middle East
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate evacuation preparedness, enhance diplomatic outreach and establish an inter-ministerial mechanism to protect Kannadigas and other Indians amid escalating geopolitical tensions across parts of the Middle East.
In a letter to PM Modi, Siddaramaiah 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 Karnataka and across India.
Referring to recent advisories issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation regarding airspace restrictions and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) declared by several West Asian countries, the chief minister said a large number of Kannadigas and other Indian nationals have been stranded, particularly in major transit hubs such as the UAE, including Dubai.
"The evolving security environment, including hostilities and civilian airspace closures, has generated widespread uncertainty and distress among affected individuals and their families in Karnataka and across India," the chief minister said in the letter.
Given the gravity and fluid nature of the situation, Siddaramaiah has urged the Centre to strengthen diplomatic outreach by enhancing engagement through Indian Embassies and Consulates to ensure continuous monitoring, protection, and guidance for Kannadigas and other Indian nationals in affected areas.
He also urged for preparedness to initiate priority evacuation or special repatriation flights, should circumstances so require, to facilitate the safe and timely return of stranded citizens.
The chief minister has also sought for establishment of an inter-ministerial task force to streamline communication between the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, state governments, and airline operators.
He urged the Centre to set up a centralised digital mechanism for registration, tracking, and real-time dissemination of advisories for families of Kannadigas and other Indian nationals.
Siddaramaiah also requested advisory directions to airlines to extend flexibility in travel schedules, waive additional charges, and provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary.
He said that a communication from the Office of the Chief Secretary has already been addressed to the Ministry of External Affairs requesting urgent coordination to safeguard Kannadigas and other Indian nationals and to explore appropriate repatriation measures.
Siddaramaiah said the Karnataka government has activated the State Emergency Operations Centre and all District Emergency Operations Centres to function round-the-clock.
"We are in continuous coordination with the Karnataka Resident Commissioner's Office in New Delhi and the Rapid Response Cell of the Ministry of External Affairs. Senior nodal officers are designated for immediate liaison with Union authorities to ensure seamless cooperation," Siddaramaiah said in the letter.
Emphasising the contribution of the Indian diaspora in West Asia, including thousands of Kannadigas, Siddaramaiah expressed hope that the Centre would ake all necessary and timely steps to ensure their safety, dignity, and well-being.
"The Government of Karnataka assures its fullest cooperation in all efforts undertaken in this regard," he added.
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