“Don’t play politics; there are lives at stake” : Jaishankar criticises Siddaramaiah’s tweet about Indians stuck in war-torn Sudan.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticised Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, saying that he was making politics out of the fact that 31 people from Karnataka’s Hakki Pakki group were stuck in war-torn Sudan.
“Hakki Pikkis in Sudan have been stuck without food for a few days, and the government hasn’t done anything to get them back. The @BJP4India government should start diplomatic talks and contact foreign groups immediately to ensure Hakki Pikkis are safe. Siddaramaiah tweeted.
It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to 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.
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023
In a sharp reaction to his tweet, Jaishankar said, “I’m appalled by your tweet! People’s lives are at risk; don’t get involved in politics.”
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. https://t.co/MawnIwStQp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
He also said that the Indian Embassy in Khartoum has been in touch with most Indian citizens and PIOs in Sudan since April 14, when the war started.
In a series of tweets, the top Congress leader asked the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, and the Ministry of External Affairs to make sure that 31 Karnataka people from the Hakki Pikki tribe who are stuck in Sudan can get home safely.
In answer, Jaishankar said that for security reasons, information about Indian citizens and where they are could not be made public.
“When making plans for them, a very difficult security situation has to be considered. In this case, the Embassy is always in touch with the Ministry,” he said.
Their details and locations cannot be made public for security reasons. Their movement is constrained by fierce fighting that is ongoing.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
He said that Siddaramaiah was making the problem about politics and that “no electoral goal justifies putting Indians abroad in danger.”
Monday, the Indian embassy in Sudan sent out a new warning telling Indians not to leave their homes and to stay cool. On Sunday, the Indian ambassador said that a person from India died in Khartoum after being shot.
Sunday, the External Affairs Minister, who was saddened by the death of the Indian citizen, said that the situation in Khartoum remains one of “great concern” and that India will keep an eye on what happens there.
In Sudan, there has been a disagreement between the Army and the paramilitary about when power should be given to a democratic government. Since fighting began, at least 185 people have died and more than 1,800 have been hurt. As of Tuesday afternoon, both sides decided to stop fighting for 24 hours.
