Karnataka has activated helplines and begun coordinating with Indian diplomatic missions after about 600 pilgrims from the state became stranded in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions and what the state government described as a disturbed situation there.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the government was taking all necessary steps to assist Kannadigas living in Saudi Arabia and those facing difficulties because of the disruption. He said the state was in continuous contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and provide them with essential assistance.
According to Parameshwara, arrangements were being coordinated with the concerned authorities to bring the pilgrims safely back to India as soon as travel facilities became available. The report did not specify the locations of the stranded pilgrims, the flights affected or when regular services were expected to resume.
The state Haj and Waqf Department and the State Emergency Operations Centre under the Revenue Department are also maintaining contact with the Union Ministry of External Affairs. Special helpline numbers have been activated through the Haj Department and the State Emergency Operations Centre for Kannadigas in distress.
The Deputy Chief Minister advised Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia not to panic and to remain alert. He asked them to follow safety instructions issued by the local administration and the Indian diplomatic missions. In the event of an air attack, residents were advised to stay indoors or inside a secure building.
The state government also warned people against photographing or recording security-related incidents and sharing such material on social media. Parameshwara said such activity could potentially violate local laws. The advisory places responsibility on travellers and residents to follow local safety instructions while the government works through diplomatic and administrative channels.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has separately written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar seeking immediate assistance to bring the 600 Karnataka pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia back to the state safely. The next step identified by the government is to coordinate return travel once flight arrangements become available, while the helplines and diplomatic contacts remain active.
