Bengaluru, Apr 24 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday visited the Bengaluru residence of one of the Pahalgam terror attack victims to offer condolences, and called upon the Central Government to take decisive action to eliminate terrorism.

Siddaramaiah said that it is the Centre’s responsibility to ensure national security, and assured that the state government would extend full support in suppressing terrorist activities across the country.

"It is the responsibility of the Central Government to completely eliminate terrorists. Our Government will fully support the Centre in completely suppressing terrorist activities in the country and defeating terrorists," Siddaramaiah said, in the wake of three Kannadigas falling victim in the Pahalgam terror attack.

The Chief Minister visited the residence of one of the victims, Bharat Bhushan, a well-educated youth from Mattikere, to pay his last respects and offer condolences to the bereaved family.

"The terrorist attack is an inhuman act. Killing innocent people in broad daylight, in front of their families, is a heinous act," he said. Drawing parallels with previous incidents, Siddaramaiah added, "Pulwama and Balakot incidents have happened in Kashmir in the past, and such attacks recurring again indicate possible lapses in Central Intelligence."

The other victims from Karnataka were Manjunath Rao and Madhusudan.

Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy met the families of Bhushan and Rao in Bengaluru and Shivamogga respectively. Minister Madhu Bangarappa instructed officials to extend full cooperation to the bereaved families. The government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased.

Labour Minister Santosh Lad, along with a team of officials, was despatched to Kashmir to assist Kannadigas stranded in the valley and facilitate the return of the victims’ mortal remains.

"A total of 175 Kannadigas are being brought back to the state safely. It is the duty of the government to protect Kannadigas in distress," Siddaramaiah said.

He also noted that while the Central Government had initiated some steps following the incident, the State Government would offer complete cooperation for any further counter-terror operations.

"The entire country stands with the family of Bhushan in this hour of grief. I pray to God that the departed soul may rest in peace," he added.

UNI BDN RN