Israel-Iran conflict: 18 Kannadigas from B-PAC team return safely from Israel; to reach Bengaluru today

In a heartening development, a group of 18 Kannadigas, who were stranded in Israel due to the ongoing emergency situation, are set to arrive in Bengaluru today around 12 PM. The team, members of B.PAC (Bangalore Political Action Committee), had travelled to Israel on a study tour aimed at understanding governance and public infrastructure. However, their plans were abruptly disrupted following the declaration of a state of emergency in the region due to escalating tensions.

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The sudden turn of events left the group confined in Israel, forcing them to take shelter in underground war bunkers. In a touching moment that went viral, the team sang the emotional Kannada song "Huttidare Kannada Naadalli Huttabeku" inside the bunker, expressing their longing for home and unity in adversity. The impromptu performance was joined by over 50 others, including foreign nationals who had taken refuge alongside them.

After a tense few days, the group was successfully evacuated from Israel and reached Kuwait last night. They boarded a connecting flight to Bengaluru earlier this morning. According to officials, a few members of the team had already landed at Mumbai Airport late last night, while the remaining team is expected to be received by authorities at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, shortly.

This return brings immense relief to the families of the B.PAC members and the larger Kannada community, who had been anxiously tracking their journey home. The Ministry of External Affairs and Indian embassies played a critical role in coordinating the safe evacuation.