Need of the hour is not war but strict measures to strengthen security in Kashmir valley: Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasizes peace over war, calls for strengthening security measures in response to recent attacks in Kashmir.

Answering a question on calls for waging war on Pakistani in the wake of the attack on tourists in Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam recently, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said there was no need for a war, but strict measures to strengthen security in the State should be taken.

“We are not in favour of war. We want peace and security for the people. Centre should take steps to tighten security,” he said.

Emphasising the need for tightening security in the State that attracts tourists, Mr. Siddaramaiah recalled the Pulwama incident in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 40 army personnel earlier and said the Centre should have been very careful and taken necessary steps.

“There was an intelligence failure and security failure,” the Chief Minister said, while regretting the failure of the Centre to live up to the trust reposed by the tourists and provide them security. “Even if they take steps now, can the lives of 26 people be brought back?” he asked. He said he had sent Minister for Labour Santosh Lad to bring back stranded Kannadigas from Kashmir.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported absence from the all-party meeting called by the Centre to discuss the terrorist attack in Kashmir came in for criticism from Mr. Siddaramaiah.

When reporters brought to his notice that the Prime Minister was campaigning in Bihar elections, Mr Siddaramaiah wondered it was important for Mr Modi to attend the all-party meeting or participating in the campaign for Bihar elections before accusing the Prime Minister of “fooling” people.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Karnataka will abide by the Centre’s directions on sending back Pakistani nationals.