New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday flayed Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah for “politicising” the issue of Karnataka people stranded in war-torn Sudan.
“Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics. Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian Nationals and PIOs in Sudan,” Jaishankar tweeted.
Siddaramaiah urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his cabinet colleagues to ensure sage return of the people of Karnataka from Sudan.
“It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to the Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war. I urge @PMOIndia @narendramodi, @HMOIndia, @MEAIndia and @BSBommai to immediately intervene & ensure their safe return,” he tweeted.
Siddaramaiah The Congress leader said the BJP government should immediately open diplomatic discussions and reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of the people.
The Hakki Pikkis in Sudan were left stranded without food for the past few days and the government has not yet initiated action to bring them back, Siddaramaiah alleged.
Sudan is in the grips of heightened tension with two top generals waging war against each other backed by tens of thousands of heavily armed fighters.
At least 185 people have been killed, and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted in Sudan.
