SRINAGAR (April 23): While mourning envelops the country, the bodies of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack were escorted into Srinagar airport on Tuesday, amidst despondent atmospherics and increased security. Officials from some of the states have arrived to facilitate the respectable repatriation of victims back to their respective home states.
The attack, one of the worst acts of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, has left the nation in shock. The government is yet to officially confirm the death toll, but 26 lives are suspected lost, including civilians and tourists.
Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad arrived in Srinagar to support coordination efforts on behalf of the Siddaramaiah government. Other state ministers and officials are also there, offering support and coordinating travel arrangements for stranded tourists.
Air India has planned two more flights to Delhi and Mumbai today following increased outbound travel from Srinagar. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, in tandem with Home Minister Amit Shah, is keeping an eye on developments and has ensured four additional flights — two to Delhi and two to Mumbai — to facilitate the quick and secure return of tourists. The Ministry is also observing closely fare hikes to avoid price gouging in the crisis.
The attack has sparked outrage across communities, with widespread calls for justice and peace. The president of the Pahalgam Taxi Association, Gulzar Ahmad Wani, expressed sorrow and solidarity with the victims.
This is not an attack on foreigners — it's an attack on our own citizens. Our tourism is the lifeblood of our economy. These tourists were like our own people," he added. "We want the government to carry out a proper inquiry. Pahalgam has always been famous for its peace and hospitality.
In Poonch district, local markets were closed and the business community held demonstrations as a symbolic show of grief. Demonstrators could be heard shouting, "Pakistan Haye Haye! Dehshatgardi band karo!" calling for an end to cross-border terrorism.
In Karnataka's Shivamogga, the last rites of Manjunath, one of the martyrs of the attack, are being prepared. His family, grief-stricken at the loss, is expecting the mortal remains to arrive.
"Manjunath had given his family a hard-earned vacation after his son secured 98% marks in the second PU exams. The trio were savaged when enjoying a street eatery. They were left unhurt but made to say it. They did not hurt the terrorists," claimed his maternal uncle, Madhav Murthy.
Back in Kashmir, security forces conducted a large manhunt on Wednesday to find the perpetrators of the attack. Pahalgam, once thriving with activity, is now deserted, with images presenting shuttered shops and vacated streets. Various organizations have demanded a Jammu bandh, sharing collective shock and outrage.
After the attack, numerous tourists are shortening their stays due to increased tensions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, having curtailed his visit to Saudi Arabia, convened an emergency high-level security meeting in Delhi. Accompanied by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and some other high-level officials, the Prime Minister set out to view the situation on the ground and decide upon an integrated response.
