10 hours Ago By TOI News Desk
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said he was not in favour of “war” with Pakistan, as tensions between the two countries escalated following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam which killed 26 people. Speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah called for strengthening security in the Kashmir Valley and stressed that measures must be taken to ensure peace. “There has been a security lapse in this incident.
We are not in favour of war. Steps should be taken to tighten security measures in the Kashmir region. The central government should increase security to ensure peace in Kashmir,” he said.
Siddaramaiah added that his government would work to send back Pakistani nationals residing in Karnataka as directed by the central government. “Steps will be taken to send back Pakistani citizens as per the instructions of the central government. Information will be obtained about the number of Pakistanis in various cities of the state,” he said.
His remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, accused Siddaramaiah of lacking awareness and said the chief minister should focus on local security. “All parties, including the national leadership of your own Congress party, have unanimously said that they will support any decision taken by the Central Government.
Our country has professional armed forces. Our armed forces possess the expertise and experience to determine the appropriate course of action in any given situation. They do not need your advice on this matter, nor do they have any qualification to give advice.
Thousands of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, Rohingya, and Pakistan are roaming around the state like kings. First, identify them, deport them, and focus on ensuring the safety of Kannadigas. Don't just unnecessarily poke your nose into matters that don't concern you,” Ashoka said.
The country remains in mourning over the loss of 26 lives in the April 22 terror attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, which also left many injured. In response, India has temporarily suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. The decision was made at a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by senior ministers, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and S Jaishankar.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have identified 14 local terrorists aiding Pakistani terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. These individuals, linked to Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, are actively operating in South Kashmir. Authorities believe some of these local terrorists helped facilitate the Pahalgam attack, in which five terrorists including three Pakistanis were involved.
Security forces have launched extensive operations in Anantnag and Pulwama, and the NIA is assisting Jammu and Kashmir Police with the investigation..
