Pahalgam Incident: CM Siddaramaiah Monitors Visa Overstayers in K'taka
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Synopsis
On April 24, Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that foreign nationals overstaying visas are being monitored in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in 26 fatalities. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and preventive measures against terrorism.
Key Takeaways
- Foreigners overstaying visas in K'taka monitored.
- Pahalgam attack resulted in 26 civilian deaths.
- CM condemned the incident, calling it inhumane.
- Compensation of Rs 10 lakh for Karnataka victims announced.
- Calls for stronger preventive measures against terrorism.
Chamarajanagar, April 24 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Thursday that foreign nationals overstaying their visas in the state are currently being monitored following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in the loss of 26 lives.
This announcement follows directives from the Union Home Ministry to keep an eye on foreign individuals residing in the country.
While speaking to reporters at the Male Mahadeshwara helipad, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized that it is the central government's duty to eradicate terrorism wherever it may occur.
“There should be no tolerance that permits terrorist activities. The Pahalgam incident is utterly condemnable and inhumane. I firmly denounce it. Given that the Pulwama attack also occurred in this district, one would expect heightened vigilance. Security measures should not have been relaxed. This represents a failure of the intelligence system,” Siddaramaiah remarked.
“Responding after an event is different from taking preventive actions beforehand. The latter should have been prioritized by the Central Government. We lost forty soldiers in the Pulwama attack, and now 26 civilians have tragically died in this latest incident,” he stated.
“Preventive steps should have been taken. The government must stay vigilant to avoid future incidents. Terrorists, irrespective of their religious backgrounds, must be eradicated. It is the responsibility of the government, and we, along with our party, will provide all necessary support and cooperation,” he reiterated.
The Chief Minister announced that each of the families of the three victims from Karnataka who perished in the terror attack will receive a compensation of Rs 10 lakh. He also mentioned that the final rites will be conducted with police honors.
When questioned about the absence of specific allocations for the backward district of Chamarajanagar in the state Budget, the Chief Minister replied that he would address this after the Cabinet meeting.
“If the Central Government approves the Mekedatu project, we will implement it without delay. We have already discussed this with the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, but no progress has been made. The Centre is withholding even the funds it has promised. For example, the Rs 5,300 crore earmarked for the Upper Bhadra Project in the 2023-24 Union Budget remains unreleased. This seems to be politically motivated discrimination,” Siddaramaiah remarked.
The Chief Minister indicated that significant projects essential for the Chamarajanagar district, in addition to those already mentioned in the Budget, will be reviewed in the Cabinet.
