Karnataka govt launches emergency helpline for Kannadigas trapped in Middle East amid rising conflict

CM Siddaramaiah assures safety measures, directs Delhi office to coordinate support; flights suspended, dozens from Ballari stranded, JD(S) MLC stuck in Dubai

In a major step to support Kannadigas stranded in conflict-hit West Asian countries, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the launch of a dedicated emergency helpline on Sunday. The move comes amid escalating tensions in the region, which have severely disrupted air travel and left many Indians unable to return home.

The Chief Minister said the State government is closely monitoring the situation and has taken the safety of Kannadigas in countries such as Israel, the UAE, Iran, and Kuwait very seriously. He assured families in Karnataka that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the security and wellbeing of those stuck abroad.

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To strengthen coordination, Siddaramaiah has instructed the Karnataka Resident Commissioner in New Delhi to make all necessary arrangements, including continuous communication with Indian authorities and diplomatic missions in the affected countries. He also appealed to Kannadigas stranded in the region to stay calm and remain in contact with official channels until normal flight services resume.

The crisis has already impacted several residents from Karnataka. Former minister B. Nagendra informed the Chief Minister that at least 32 people from Ballari are currently stranded in Dubai. Officials have initiated steps to track their status and extend all required support.

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Adding to the concern, JD(S) MLC S. L. Bhoje Gowda has been stuck at Dubai airport while returning to Bengaluru from Johannesburg, following widespread flight disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, major airlines including Air India and IndiGo have suspended all services to destinations across the West Asian region as a precautionary measure. The sudden halt in operations has further complicated travel plans for thousands of passengers.