Karnataka Government Appeals to MEA for Repatriation of Stranded Citizens in Gulf Amid Escalating Conflict
The Karnataka state government has urgently sought the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate the safe return of hundreds of Kannadigas stranded across Gulf countries, as retaliatory strikes between Iran and Israel-US forces intensify. The escalating conflict has led to widespread disruptions, including the targeting of airports and suspension of flight services, leaving tourists and expatriates from Karnataka in precarious situations.
Political Figures and Officials Among Those Stranded
Among the notable individuals affected are Congress MLAs Na Ra Bharath Reddy and SR Srinivas, along with JD(S) MLC SL Bhojegowda, who are all stranded in Dubai. Bhojegowda, who shared a video of himself and his family stuck in Dubai, explained that he was en route from Johannesburg, South Africa, to India via Dubai when the crisis unfolded. Additionally, State Election Commission commissioner SG Sangreshi and Pushpa Amarnath, vice-chairperson of the Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee, who was celebrating her birthday in Dubai with her husband, have been unable to return home.
Government Response and Coordination Efforts
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken proactive steps by personally contacting several stranded Kannadigas, including MLC Bhojegowda, to assess the situation. He has directed the chief secretary to coordinate closely with the MEA to ensure the safe evacuation of state citizens. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasized that the government is working with Kannada associations in the affected Gulf countries to provide assistance and support to those stranded.
In a related development, Siddaramaiah condemned the attack on Iran, labeling the United States' actions as "unnecessary" and criticizing the contradiction between preaching peace and engaging in warfare. He expressed condolences for the loss of lives, including that of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and reiterated concerns over civilian casualties, such as the reported deaths of 60 schoolchildren in air strikes.
Stranded Tourists Face Financial and Logistical Hardships
From Ballari to Chitradurga and Mangaluru to Mysuru, numerous groups of tourists are facing severe challenges. For instance, 35 people from Ballari district who traveled to Dubai on a tour are stranded following flight cancellations. A total of 50 individuals, including 15 from Chitradurga, left Ballari for Dubai on February 24 with a scheduled return on February 28, but airstrikes led to suspended operations, trapping them in Dubai. Among them is the Yalpi Pampanagouda family from Ballari.
The group had a return flight booked for 9 pm on Saturday, but while en route to the airport, they received news of cancellations due to the airstrikes. Upon arrival, security personnel denied them entry, leaving them stranded without accommodation. With hotel costs ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per person per night, many exhausted their funds and were forced to remain outside the airport. After being alerted, Reddy and Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra arranged for their stay in service quarters near the airport, where the group of 23 women and 27 men is currently safe.
Impact on Expatriates and Flight Cancellations
In Mangaluru, tens of expatriates who had booked tickets to Gulf destinations and other countries found themselves stranded in India due to airspace closures and travel restrictions. M Mohandas Kamath, who was scheduled to return to Kuwait, reported tense conditions there, with supermarkets running out of supplies, schools closed until March 3, and exams cancelled. He expressed uncertainty about his return timeline.
At Mangaluru International Airport, multiple flights to Gulf destinations were cancelled on Sunday, including services to Jeddah, Muscat, Dubai, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi in both directions, exacerbating the travel chaos.
Activation of Emergency Operations and Official Advisories
Meanwhile, the state government has activated its State Emergency Operation Centres (SEOC) and all District Emergency Operations (DEOC), which will function 24x7 to disseminate advisories from affected Gulf countries and provide necessary assistance. Citizens have been advised to contact local embassies and consulates and utilize official portals like the Sarthi Sahayata portal for support.
Former BJP Chief Minister and Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai acknowledged that the Indian government has already taken several measures and urged the state government to focus on ensuring the safe return of stranded individuals. As the conflict continues to escalate, the Karnataka government remains committed to leveraging all available resources to bring its citizens home safely.
