Shivamogga (Karnataka), March 1 Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei on Sunday.
He also assured that efforts were underway to bring back Kannadigas stranded in the Middle East.
He said the state government was in constant contact with officials and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safety of Indians stranded in Dubai due to flight disruptions.
"The war that is being waged – in my opinion, the war that America has waged on Iran – is unnecessary," Siddaramaiah told reporters.
"On one side, they talk about peace, the Americans, President Trump; on the other side, they wage war. This is a contradictory stance. I strongly condemn this," he said.
Speaking about Khamenei, the Chief Minister said, "We are seeing on television that Khamenei has been killed. I strongly condemn this. I pray that his soul attains eternal peace." Regarding Kannadigas stranded in West Asia, Siddaramaiah said the State Government had already initiated steps.
"I have already spoken about this. I have spoken to our chief secretary, our principal secretary, and also to our assistant commissioner in Delhi. The airport in Dubai is closed. As soon as it is opened, efforts will be made to safely bring them back," he said.
When reporters pointed out that JD(S) MLC S L Bhojegowda was also stranded in Dubai with his family, the chief minister said, "I spoke to Bhoje Gowda. He said he is safe and is staying at a hotel."
Siddaramaiah said, "We are also in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs. We are making efforts to bring everyone back safely without causing any inconvenience. All of them are Kannadigas. From Ballari, some 35 people are stranded. The total is 52, including people from other states. We will make efforts to bring all of them back."
The CM added that the state government is in touch with the secretariat of the Ministry of External Affairs. According to him, all the Indians are safe in Dubai.
