Don’t do politics: Jaishankar slams Siddaramaiah over claims of govt inaction in bringing back Hakki-Pikki tribals from Sudan

New Delhi: External Affairs Miniter S Jaishankar and Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were engaged in a war of words on Tuesday following the latter’s remarks over evacuating the 31 tribals from Karnataka who were stranded in violence-hit Sudan.

A Twitter thread by the former Chief Minister of Karnataka in which he blamed the government for the inaction in bringing back the stranded people, started the Twitter war.

"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," Siddaramaiah claimed. “@BJP4India govt should immediately open diplomatic discussions & reach out to international agencies to ensure the well-being of Hakki Pikkis”, he wrote.

His tweet drew a sharp retort from Jaishankar who lashed out at Siddaramaiah. "Simply appalled at your tweet! There are lives at stake; don't do politics."

“It is grossly irresponsible of you to politicize their situation. No electoral goal justifies endangering Indians abroad", he wrote in another tweet denouncing Siddaramaiah's remarks.

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."

Siddaramaiah hit back with a sharp jibe. "Since you are the External Affairs Minister, 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," he tweeted.

The Indian Embassy in Sudan on Tuesday 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.

At least 185 people have been killed and over 1,800 wounded since the clashes erupted in Sudan between the country’s two top generals. The violence has trapped millions of people in their homes or wherever they could find shelter, with supplies running low and several hospitals forced to shut down.

The army and the paramilitary forces are using tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons in densely populated areas. As of Tuesday afternoon, the two sides have agreed to a temporary, 24-hour cease-fire.