Calls War "Unnecessary", Says Peace Must Prevail
Bengaluru, May 10 – Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, calling the war “unnecessary” and stressing the need for lasting peace in the region.The ceasefire comes in the wake of intense military exchanges triggered by India’s launch of ‘Operation Sindoor’, a retaliatory move following the killing of 26 people in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Siddaramaiah said, “I welcome the ceasefire because we don’t want war.” He acknowledged that the ceasefire was facilitated through mediation by US President Donald Trump and termed the development as a positive step.
Reiterates Past Stand Amid Political Criticism
Siddaramaiah pointed out that his previous call for peace had drawn criticism from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “There was controversy when I earlier appealed for peace. The opposition criticised me. But if a ceasefire has indeed taken place, then it is a good development,” he stated.Committed to Uprooting Terrorism
Despite welcoming the ceasefire, the Chief Minister emphasized that India’s efforts to counter terrorism would not be compromised. “We will continue to work to control terrorism and will take all steps to uproot it completely,” he asserted.Pakistani Children in Mysuru Under Protection
Addressing a separate issue, Siddaramaiah clarified the status of three Pakistani-origin children currently in Mysuru. “They are all under six years of age. They had gone up to the border, but no one came to receive them, so they returned. Their mother is Indian, and their father is Pakistani. We are keeping them under our protection,” he explained.The state government has written to the central government to decide the next course of action for the children.