Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, April 23: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack a major intelligence lapse, stating that the absence of prior warning clearly reflects a failure of the central intelligence agencies.

Speaking to the media, Siddaramaiah said, “The attack was a premeditated conspiracy and the killings are deeply condemnable. However, the fact that such a horrific incident, which has claimed at least 26 lives, occurred without any prior alert is a clear failure of central intelligence.” He further added that similar lapses had been observed during the earlier Pulwama attack as well.

“In the case of the Pahalgam attack, the central intelligence system has failed,” Siddaramaiah said. He stressed that the union government must not only neutralise the perpetrators of the attack but also strengthen mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

In response to the incident, the Karnataka Government has initiated measures to ensure the safe return of Kannadigas stranded in Kashmir. A team of officials has been dispatched to the region to coordinate safety protocols and logistics. Additionally, labour minister Santosh Lad has been sent to the union territory to oversee arrangements for the evacuation of over 40 residents from Karnataka via a special flight.

The chief minister confirmed that two individuals from Karnataka, Manjunath Rao and Bharat Bhushan, lost their lives in the attack. He stated that the government would positively consider and review the matter of providing compensation to the bereaved families.

Siddaramaiah also reached out personally to the families of the deceased. He spoke to Pallavi, wife of Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, and Sujatha, wife of Bharat Bhushan from Mathikere, Bengaluru, offering his heartfelt condolences.

The chief minister reiterated his commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and providing full support to the victims' families during this tragic time.