Bengaluru, March 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing significant concern regarding the rising geopolitical tensions in various regions of the Middle East and their effects on stranded Kannadigas and other Indian citizens.

In his correspondence, the Chief Minister emphasized that advisories from the Ministry of Civil Aviation concerning airspace restrictions and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) in multiple West Asian nations have critically disrupted international flight schedules. Consequently, numerous Kannadigas and Indian citizens find themselves stranded, particularly in key transit points like the United Arab Emirates, especially in Dubai.

He pointed out that the ongoing security developments, including conflict and the shutdown of civilian airspace, have induced widespread anxiety and distress among those affected and their families back in Karnataka and India.

Siddaramaiah mentioned that the Chief Secretary's office has already engaged with the Ministry of External Affairs to pursue urgent coordination efforts aimed at safeguarding Kannadigas and investigating suitable repatriation solutions.

The Chief Minister has also appealed to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to collaborate with airlines to offer essential support, such as flexible rescheduling, waiver of fees, and temporary assistance for those stranded.

He urged the Government of India to implement immediate actions, including enhanced outreach through Indian embassies and consulates to ensure constant monitoring, protection, and guidance for Indian nationals in affected regions. He also emphasized the need for readiness to initiate priority evacuations or special repatriation flights as needed to facilitate the safe return of stranded individuals.

Siddaramaiah further proposed the creation of an inter-ministerial task force to improve coordination between central ministries, state governments, and airline operators. Additionally, he suggested establishing a centralized digital platform for the registration, tracking, and real-time information dissemination to families of those stranded.

Moreover, he called upon the Centre to issue advisory directives to airlines to ensure travel flexibility, eliminate extra charges, and provide humanitarian assistance whenever required.

The Karnataka government has already activated the State Emergency Operations Centre alongside all District Emergency Operations Centres to operate continuously.

He noted that the state is in ongoing coordination with the Karnataka Resident Commissioner’s Office in New Delhi and the Ministry of External Affairs' Rapid Response Cell. Senior nodal officers have been assigned to assure immediate communication with Union authorities.

Highlighting the significance of the Indian diaspora in West Asia, including thousands of Kannadigas, Siddaramaiah stated that a prompt, coordinated, and compassionate national response is vital for protecting lives and reassuring citizens.

He voiced hope that the Government of India would take swift and necessary actions to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of all those stranded, and confirmed the state government's complete support in these endeavors.