Daijiworld Media Network - Chamarajanagar

Chamarajanagar, Apr 24: In the wake of the Pahalgam terror massacre, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced heightened scrutiny of foreign nationals overstaying visas in the state, following directives from the Union Home Ministry. Speaking at the Male Mahadeshwara helipad, he stressed that rooting out terrorists is a central government responsibility.

“No tolerance can be shown for activities that enable terrorism,” Siddaramaiah declared, condemning the Pahalgam killings as “inhuman and reprehensible.” He pointed out that Pulwama—also in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district—had seen the deadliest attack on security forces, and argued that stricter intelligence and security measures should have been in place.

“Preventive action is crucial,” he argued. “Forty soldiers were martyred in Pulwama; 26 civilians have now been slaughtered in Pahalgam. The Centre must stay vigilant to ensure no repeat.” He affirmed the state’s full cooperation in eliminating terrorists, “regardless of faith,” and announced ?10?lakh ex gratia for each bereaved family of the three Karnataka victims, with police honors at their funerals.

Turning to regional development, Siddaramaiah addressed concerns over Chamarajanagar’s omission from recent budget allocations. He pledged to raise the issue in the Cabinet, calling out delays in central releases—such as the ?5,300?crore Upper Bhadra Project—and accusing the Centre of “politically motivated discrimination.” He also vowed to act swiftly should approval come through for the Mekedatu project.

The Chief Minister concluded that Cabinet deliberations would soon chart the course for Chamarajanagar’s priority initiatives, ensuring the district’s needs are met.