'Strengthen intelligence, curb fake news & monitor for fake scarcity of essential commodities': Siddaramaiah

The CM further discussed the topics covered during the meeting, noting that civil defence mock drills had already been conducted in five districts and additional instructions had been issued to conduct drills in other necessary locations.

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired a multi-departmental meeting on Saturday and directed officials to make comprehensive preparations for any situation that may arise due to the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan.

Deputy Commissioners of all districts, police commissioners, Inspectors General of Police (IGP), Superintendents of Police (SP), Deputy Commissioners of Police, senior police officers, Revenue Department officials, and Rural Development officials attended the video conference chaired by Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to reporters after the video conference, Siddaramaiah welcomed the ceasefire announced between India and Pakistan.

He further discussed the topics covered during the meeting, noting that civil defence mock drills had already been conducted in five districts and additional instructions had been issued to conduct drills in other necessary locations. “I have instructed all departments to maintain excellent coordination and work in tandem. I have also told them to maintain coordination with central departments as well,” Siddaramaiah said.

He also directed the Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services to remain on high alert and to open helplines to assist people in case of emergencies. “Not just fire services, but I have also instructed improvements to medical infrastructure to handle difficult situations,” the Chief Minister added.

Siddaramaiah further instructed all SPs and commissioners to hold regular press briefings and keep the public informed of all developments. He also directed the police chief to strengthen the intelligence wing to gather specific information.

Addressing the issue of misinformation and fake news, Siddaramaiah said, “I have asked the police to monitor social media closely and curb the spread of fake news. They have also been tasked with fact-checking misinformation and issuing immediate clarifications.”

He emphasised that police have been specifically instructed to create a list and monitor individuals who may attempt to incite communal unrest. He stated that the state would take strict action against those involved in attempts to create communal clashes.

Siddaramaiah noted that efforts to strengthen civil defence are ongoing and that new enrollments will be accepted. He has instructed the relevant authorities to initiate online registrations for civil defence.

In addition to security measures, Siddaramaiah instructed all district commissioners to monitor and prevent the creation of fake scarcities of essential commodities.

In response to a question about the presence of Pakistani nationals in Karnataka, he said that there are three children under the age of six in Mysuru. “The children's father is a Pakistani national, and their mother is from Mysuru. The family even went to the border to send the children to Pakistan, but the husband did not come to receive them,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that a communication has been sent to the central government explaining the family’s situation.