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States » SouthPosted at: May 16 2025 1:00PM


Karnataka minister backs security forces, distances from MLA's remarks

Bengaluru, May 16 (UNI) Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Friday reiterated the state’s commitment to national security and backed the Centre’s counter-terrorism efforts, even as Congress MLA Kothur Manjunath sparked a row by questioning the effectiveness of Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action targeting terror camps in Pakistan.
Speaking to media, Parameshwara said the government of India had issued special instructions to all armed forces and states following a Pakistan-linked security alert, and Karnataka had stepped up its coastal vigilance.
"As a state, we have a coastal surveillance force that has naturally enhanced its operations. Every vessel is now thoroughly checked before being allowed into Indian waters. The authorities have done a commendable job in following these instructions," he said.
The statement comes in the wake of a Pakistani citizen aboard an Iraqi commercial cargo vessel was denied entry into India by the Indian Coastal Guard and Coastal Security Police officials after the ship docked at Karwar Port earlier this week.
The ship, MT R Ocean, arrived at the port on May 12 carrying a consignment of bitumen from Iraq. It had 17 crew members on board, including 14 Indians, two Syrians and one Pakistani citizen. The captain of the vessel is also an Indian.
After unloading the bitumen cargo, the vessel departed for Iraq, Karwar Port officials confirmed.
Asked about Manjunath’s controversial remarks casting doubt on Operation Sindoor, Parameshwara said, "I haven’t seen the statement, but we stand by the Central government and armed forces in matters of national security."
Earlier, Manjunath drew criticism after publicly questioning the success of Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, including a Nepali national. He asked, "Have they confirmed that at least 100 terrorists have been killed? Who were those terrorists who crossed our border? What are their identities? Why was there no security at the border? How did they escape?"
Describing the operation as potentially indicative of an intelligence failure, Manjunath's comments drew sharp backlash from security analysts and political opponents, who accused him of undermining the morale of the armed forces and politicising national security.
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Tags: #Karnataka minister backs security forces# distances from MLA's remarks
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