Twitter war between S Jaishankar and Siddaramaiah over Sudan row
Amid Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s remarks on 31 tribals from Karnataka who are stuck in the crisis-hit Sudan, it has sparked a Twitter war between the union minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah. In the so-called war of words on social media giant, Twitter, a tweet by the Karnataka former chief minister, wherein he alleged central government negligence in bringing back the stranded Indian citizens belonging to a tribal community started the heated exchange.
Twitter war: Jaishnakr Vs Siddaramaiah
The ex-CM and Congress leader claimed, “The Hakki Pikkis in Sudan were left stranded without food for the past few days and the government has not yet initiated action to bring them back.”
While retorting to the leader, the foreign minister, Jaishankar said, “It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad.”
“Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics,” he wrote in another tweet denouncing Siddaramaiah’s remarks.
Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don’t do politics.
Since the fighting started on April 14th, the Embassy of India in Khartoum has been continuously in touch with most Indian Nationals and PIOs in Sudan. https://t.co/MawnIwStQp
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
‘I have appealed for HELP’
The war doesn’t end here, after Jaishankar took to Twitter, Siddaramaiah hot back with a sharp rejoinder. He tweeted, “Since you are the External Affairs Minister, I have appealed to you for help. If you are busy getting appalled please point us to the person who can help us bring our people back.”
Since you are the External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar I have appealed you for help.
If you are busy getting appalled please point us to the person who can help us bring our people back. https://t.co/B21Lndvxit
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) April 18, 2023
Moreover, the union minister also posted a thread detailing the government’s efforts in Sudan, where rival factions of the ruling military regime have been battling for control of the African nation.
“Their details and locations cannot be made public for security reasons. Their movement is constrained by fierce fighting that is ongoing, he said, adding, “Plans regarding them have to take into account a very complicated security scenario. The Embassy is in constant touch with the Ministry in that regard,” Jaishankar wrote.
Their details and locations cannot be made public for security reasons. Their movement is constrained by fierce fighting that is ongoing.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 18, 2023
Taking notes from Siddaramaiah’s allegations, the Congress loyalist had sought the BJP government at the Centre to immediately open diplomatic discussions and reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki-Pikkis.
Precautionary advisory issued
Amid the ongoing tension in Sudan, on Tuesday, the Indian Embassy in Sudan issued a precautionary advisory for Indian citizens against venturing out, suggesting to ration supplies as the “situation may continue for a few more days.”
“We have come across many instances of looting. All Indian nationals are advised please not to venture out. Please ration your supplies. The situation may continue for a few more days. Please try to take help from your neighbours. Please stay at home and remain safe,” tweeted the Embassy of India in Khartoum.
On Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs, in view of the current clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), set up a Control Room to provide information and assistance to Indians.
More than 200 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the fighting between Sudan’s two top generals erupted.
