31 tribals from Karnataka stranded in Sudan

At least 31 tribals from Karnataka are in Sudanese city of El-Fasher amidst an internecine war between the military and a powerful paramilitary force in the African country that has already claimed 185 lives.

The stranded people belong to the Hakki Pikki tribe, a semi-nomadic tribal group, of Karnataka and are starving without food and water since the clashes began this weekend.

The Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has apprised the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) about it and is also in touch with the Indian Embassy in Sudan to speed up their rescue process.

"We have got a message that a group of 31 persons hailing from Karnataka are stranded in Sudan. We have informed MEA of this. We have asked the group to follow the instructions of the Indian embassy in Sudan. As of now, the stranded people should stay wherever they are and not venture out. MEA is seized of the matter and is working on it," Dr Manoj Rajan, Commissioner, KSDMA, was quoted saying by NDTV.

Meanwhile, Congress seems to be trying to take political mileage out it by politicising the issue with an eye on the next month's Assembly polls. Party's chief ministerial hopeful Siddaramaiah has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Ministry and the MEA to intervene and rescue the stranded people.

Siddaramaiah tweeted: "It is reported that 31 people from Karnataka belonging to Hakki Pikki tribe, are stranded in Sudan which is troubled by civil war. I urge @PMOIndia @narendramodi, @HMOIndia, @MEAIndia and @BSBommai to immediately intervene & ensure their safe return."

"Hakki Pikkis in Sudan are left stranded without food since the last few days & the govt is yet to initiate action to bring them back. @BJP4India govt should immediately open diplomatic discussions & reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki Pikkis," he added.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala went way ahead and took the opportunity to hit out at the Centre and the Karnataka government, alleging that they have left the tribals "to their fate". "31 Kannadigas of Hakki Pikki Tribe have been left stranded in the civil war in Sudan. The Anti-Kannadiga Modi Govt has left them to their fate, instead of evacuating & ensuring their safe return. Where are Mr. Prahlad Joshi & Shobha Karandlaje & BJP MP's? Shame on you Mr Bommai," he tweeted.

Explosion and clashes continue to rock Sudan against the backdrop of escalating tension between the Sudanese Army and the powerful Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group. As per the UN envoy Volker Perthes, 185 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting erupted.