Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sought urgent intervention from the Union government to facilitate the return of more than 600 pilgrims from the state who are stranded in Saudi Arabia amid heightened regional tensions and disruptions to international flight operations.

In a letter to Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the chief minister highlighted the difficulties faced by Karnataka’s Umrah pilgrims stranded in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah and urged the Centre to take immediate steps to address their plight.

According to the letter, the chairman of the Karnataka State Haj Committee and his team, who recently visited the holy cities, reported that several pilgrims were facing severe hardships due to disruptions in air services. Many have exhausted their financial resources and are struggling to afford essential necessities, including food and accommodation.

The chief minister also pointed out that some hotels were reportedly asking pilgrims to vacate their rooms, leaving many without secure accommodation. The situation is particularly concerning for elderly pilgrims, women and children.

Although Indian and Karnataka-based voluntary organisations have been extending temporary assistance, their efforts have proved insufficient to meet the growing needs of the stranded pilgrims, the letter said.

Shivakumar urged the Union government to intervene urgently and coordinate the necessary arrangements to ensure the pilgrims’ safety, provide adequate support and facilitate their return to Karnataka.