CM blames Centre, seeks terror vigil

Chamarajanagar

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has instructed the Home Department to closely monitor foreigners who continue to stay in Karnataka even after their visa or stay period has expired. Speaking to the media at the Male Mahadeshwar Helipad, he stressed that strict oversight is essential in the interest of state and national security.

Reacting to the Union Home Minister’s recent directive on keeping a close watch on foreign nationals, Siddaramaiah said, “It is the responsibility of the central government to eliminate terrorists, wherever they may be in the country.”

Condemning the recent militant attack in Pahalgam as "inhuman and unacceptable," the Chief Minister criticized the intelligence failure that allowed such an incident to take place. “Since the Pulwama attack occurred in the same district, extra caution should have been exercised. This lapse in security is deeply concerning,” he added.

He emphasized that action should not only be reactive but also preventive. “It is the duty of the central government to prevent such attacks. Forty soldiers died in Pulwama, and now 28 civilians have been killed. The government must act before tragedies occur.”

He announced ₹10 lakh compensation for each of the three Kannadigas who died in the attack, and confirmed their last rites would be conducted with police honors.

On the Mekedatu project and pending Union grants, Siddaramaiah alleged political bias, pointing out delays in fund releases for key river projects.

He assured that development projects in Chamarajanagar will be reviewed during the cabinet meeting.