Efforts on to bring back 109 people from Karnataka stuck in West Asia: Min. Krishna Byre Gowda
Bengaluru (PTI): As many as 109 people from Karnataka are stranded in the war-ravaged West Asia, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's office said on Monday.
According to the statement, 100 are held up in Dubai (UAE), while nine are stuck in Bahrain.
Speaking to reporters, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the Karnataka government is making efforts to bring back those stranded in the Gulf.
Everyone has been asking whether special flights or any other arrangements will be made to bring people back to Karnataka.
He added that people are asking if rescue flights or special flights are being arranged for their return journey.
"We have taken up this matter with the central government and sought their intervention. The central government has informed us that, as air traffic is currently not allowed there and has been suspended, no flights can operate at present. However, as soon as air traffic is cleared — once the current suspension is lifted and flights are permitted to operate — the Central Government will make arrangements for return travel, either through special flights or through regular airline services," the Minister said.
According to Gowda, 109 people stuck in the Gulf region had called the helpline and shared their details.
"Yesterday, after the Chief Minister issued instructions in the morning, we further stepped up our efforts. From our Principal Secretary of Disaster Management to the Commissioner level, and through our State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), we have been actively working since Saturday night," he said.
The Minister said the government is in daily contact with the Government of India, particularly the Ministry of External Affairs, to reach our people who are stranded there.
He also noted that flights bound for Karnataka are unable to take off from there and are getting stranded at the airport midway.
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Dubai: The Kannadigas Helpline team organised a virtual meeting to review the current situation in the UAE and gather information about stranded Kannadigas to share with the Karnataka government.
The meeting was led by non-resident businessman and advocate for non-resident Kannadigas (NRKs), Dr. Ronald Colaco. Addressing participants, Dr. Colaco said the UAE remains safe and expressed confidence that normalcy would return soon. He urged Kannadigas to follow guidelines issued by UAE authorities and cooperate with local officials.
Dr. Colaco also announced his readiness to bear the expenses required to maintain an emergency support system for tourists facing distress. He appealed to the Karnataka government to announce an emergency relief grant to assist affected individuals.
Legislative Council member S.L. Bojegowda, who is currently in Dubai, said clarity on the evolving situation is expected shortly. He stated that Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has been requested to sanction an emergency relief fund of Rs 2 crore to support distressed Kannadigas. According to him, the Minister has assured that the matter would be discussed with the Chief Minister.
Dr. Aarthi Krishna, Vice President of the Non-Resident Indian Committee and MLC, said she remains in constant contact with Gulf embassies and non-resident Kannadigas in the region. She added that updates are being regularly shared with the Karnataka government and that she is extending full cooperation to the Kannadigas Helpline team.
Karnataka NRI Forum President Praveen Shetty said non-resident Kannadigas in the UAE are safe and that local authorities have implemented necessary safety measures. He urged people not to panic or circulate unverified information on social media.
Hidayat Addur, Coordinator of the Kannadigas Helpline and BCCI UAE President, said the team is working round-the-clock to assist stranded individuals, including facilitating access to medical services when required.
Karnataka Sangha Dubai President Shashidhar Nagarajappa assured that helpline volunteers are available across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ajman to support Kannadigas in need.
Several community leaders and representatives participated in the meeting, including Daya Kirodian, Chandru Lingadalli, Mallikarjuna Gowda, Imran Khan, Shweta Jadhav, Manohar Hegde, Nagaraja Rao, Samad Birali, Salim Moodubidire, Samshuddin Piligudu, Rock Karnataka Sangh President Ramesh Rangappa and Kannada Pathashale Dubai representative Girish Worate.
