"Siddaramaiah, Karnataka's Chief Minister, voices disagreement with Prime Minister Modi's approach, stating he's deceiving the public in light of the Pahalgam terror attack."
Write-up:
Siddaramaiah Calls Out Modi Over Pahalgam Terror Attack, Emphasizes Security Measures and Cooperation
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of misleading the public over the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. In an informal chat with reporters, Siddaramaiah slammed Modi for missing an all-party meeting called by the Centre following the devastating incident, and instead prioritizing an election rally in Bihar.
Speaking candidly, Siddaramaiah said, "The prime minister should've been present at the all-party meeting, but no, he was busy canvassing in Bihar. It's obvious he's pulling a fast one - conning people."
Regarding India's response to the attack, Siddaramaiah made it clear there's no need for war, but highlighted the importance of robust and effective security measures across the nation. "Maintaining peace is crucial. The Centre needs to beef up security to safeguard our citizens," he stated.
Karnataka's Response to Pakistani Nationals Living in the State
In response to the union government's directive, Karnataka has pledged cooperation in identifying and sending back Pakistani nationals residing in the state. Siddaramaiah acknowledged that the state doesn't have exact figures, but many Pakistani residents are thought to live in major cities, particularly in Bengaluru.
Siddaramaiah Urges Centre to Prioritize National Security
Pointing out the blatant security lapse that led to the Pahalgam attack, Siddaramaiah implored the Centre to put aside party politics and prioritize national security. "Instead of using security issues for electoral gains, focus on safeguarding our citizens, for God's sake," he urged.
Karnataka's New Measures for Identifying and Deporting Pakistani Nationals
Under the guidance of the Home Ministry, Karnataka police and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are collaborating on a state-wide mission to identify Pakistani nationals. The primary focus is on tourists, medical, and short-term visa holders. Efforts are concentrated in areas with established Pakistani resident populations such as Bangalore, Bhatkal, Mysuru, and Mangaluru.
Deadlines for departures have been set for SAARC visa and tourist/medical/business visa holders. Visa-specific timelines vary, with diplmats excluded for the time being. Seventy-eight individuals with protected status, including those married to Indian citizens and those facing terrorism-related trials, are also exempt from immediate deportation.
The crackdown is based on the Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025, with district police chiefs overseeing deportations. Authorities aim to systematically collect and organize data related to Pakistani nationals in the state. Newly issued long-term visas will not be affected, while permanent visa holders remain exempt from deportation.
- Siddaramaiah criticized the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi for prioritizing election rallies over an all-party meeting regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that the prime minister was "conning people."
- India's response to the Pahalgam attack, as stated by Siddaramaiah, should focus on robust and effective security measures across the nation rather than resorting to war.
- Karnataka has pledged cooperation with the central government's directive to identify and send back Pakistani nationals living in the state, with many believed to reside in major cities, including Bengaluru.
- Siddaramaiah urged the central government to prioritize national security instead of using security issues for electoral gains, to safeguard the citizens.
- Karnataka police and the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) are collaborating on a mission to identify Pakistani nationals in the state, with a focus on tourists, medical, and short-term visa holders.
- The crackdown on Pakistani nationals in Karnataka is based on the Immigration & Foreigners Act, 2025, with district police chiefs overseeing deportations, while newly issued long-term visas and permanent visa holders remain exempt from the operation.
