Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 25: Minister for Muzrai, fisheries, ports and inland water transport as well as in-charge minister for Dakshina Kannada district, Kota Srinivas Poojary, has drawn the attention of Karnataka chief minister (CM) B S Yediyurappa, towards grave problems being faced by about 40 lac Kannadigas settled in Mumbai because of the critical situation caused by the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

In a letter sent to the CM on Friday, April 24, Poojary drew his attention to the fact that scores of Kannadigas including those belonging to coastal Karnataka are facing grave problems in Mumbai and many of them including pregnant women, aged ones and children, have been undergoing agony, both physical and mental. Many of them have complained that the food they had stocked has been exhausted and the government there has not been responding to their problems. "They have also drawn our attention to the fact that they do not have water to drink and money to buy things. At the same time, they say that they are undergoing anxiety and depression because of the coronavirus infection that is fast gripping the city. They have requested us to rescue them," Poojary said in the letter and requested the CM to initiate urgent steps to extend care and protection to people of Karnataka including Mumbai Kannadigas who are spread all over the country.

Kota Srinivas Poojary

"We request you to set up an exclusive toll free helpline at the state level to lend an ear to the problems of Kannadigas, pass on instructions to the deputy commissioners of the jurisdiction concerned, and ensure that the affected Kannadigas get food items, medicines and security urgently. At the same time, you are requested to take emergent steps to extend help to pregnant women and children who are away from their parents through a suitable arrangement and emergency measures. We need to keep in mind inter-state border issues and security measures needed when extending protection to Kannadigas," he said in the letter.