Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 29: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday, April 29 stressed the importance of exercising caution while speaking on sensitive national issues, particularly in the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
Responding to queries about excise minister R B Timmapur’s controversial remarks related to the attack, Parameshwara said it was inappropriate to delve into unverified claims that terrorists asked victims about their religion before killing them.
“At a time like this, it is crucial we do not politicise or speculate. National security demands a unified and measured response. Offering individual interpretations only undermines the seriousness of the issue,” he told reporters in Bengaluru.
He reiterated that matters such as the Pahalgam attack must rise above political affiliations. “This isn’t about party lines. The Congress party has made it clear that on national security, we stand with the country. We will support any measure taken by the Central government to counter terrorism,” he said.
When asked about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement suggesting India should avoid war with Pakistan, Parameshwara clarified that Siddaramaiah had already explained his position. “He only meant war should be avoided if possible, but if it becomes inevitable, it must be fought. His statement was taken out of context,” he said.
Dismissing suggestions that Congress leaders were being soft on terror, Parameshwara asserted that the party had a long history of sacrifices for the country. “No other party has given as much for this nation as the Congress has. There is no question of showing leniency when it comes to national security,” he maintained.
Commenting on the disruption of CM Siddaramaiah’s speech at a Congress event in Belagavi by BJP workers, Parameshwara said he was still collecting details. “From what I have seen in the media, women from the BJP’s Mahila Morcha entered wearing Congress shawls and began raising slogans only during the Chief Minister’s address,” he said.
He added that an inquiry was underway to determine if there were any lapses in security. “I have asked the ADGP (Law and Order) to submit a detailed report. Once I receive it, I will share further comments,” he said.
When questioned about the BJP’s criticism that Congress blamed the Centre for intelligence failure in the Pahalgam incident while failing to prevent disruptions at its own convention, Parameshwara responded, “Had the BJP workers come in their own attire, our personnel could have identified them. This tactic of blending in with Congress workers created confusion that could have led to serious consequences.”
On another front, Parameshwara commented on the honey trap controversy involving Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, who claimed attempts were made to entrap him but later did not submit proof. “His statement has been recorded. The investigation will proceed based on the available information,” he said.
He also addressed the issue of Pakistani nationals residing in Karnataka. “Those holding long-term visas or married and settled here have been exempted as per Central government guidelines. The rest have been repatriated,” he informed.