About 200 persons have called Karnataka government seeking help

As many as three legislators are among the hundreds of Kannadigas believed to be stuck in West Asia with cancellation of flights to Bengaluru and Mangaluru even as the State government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs to bring those stranded back safely.

The State Emergency Operations Centre, which has been receiving calls seeking help, has a list of about 200 persons that is constantly getting updated.

While 37 flights to and from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru were cancelled owing to escalation of tension in West Asia on Sunday, 11 flights to and from Mangalauru International Airport remained cancelled. The airspace in 11 West Asian countries have been closed till Monday.

On Sunday, Karnataka also witnessed protests in multiple places against the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The protests were held at Johnson Market in Bengaluru and Alipur in Chickballapur district, near here. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar have condemned the attack on Iran.

The State government has appointed the Resident Commissioner of Karnataka in Delhi to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe return of Kannadigas stranded in West Asia and requiring help.