Security staff stands in addition to overthrowed chairs and tables at a terrorist attack on tourists in Baisaran, near Pahalgam in the district of Anantnag South Kashmir, April 24, 2025. Photo Credit: Adnan Abidi
In a fast and coordinated rescue effort, the Karnataka government safely evacuated 175 tourists who were stuck in Jammu and Kashmir. A special flight bearing evacuated touched at the International KEVEGOWDA Airport in Bengalur around noon.
The rescue operation was at the forefront of the Minister of Labor Santosh Lad, who was personally sent to Jamm and Kashmir based on the instructions of the main Minister Siddaramaiah.
Mr. Lad arrived in Jammu and Kashmir in the early hours of Wednesday and immediately began to coordinate the search and evacuation effort. As part of the operation, he visited almost 11 accommodation facilities throughout the region to locate and help tourists from Karnataka who were imprisoned in the valley. His efforts began to identify the deadly remains of two victims.
The government took special measures to ensure the transport of their bodies, which was taken back to Bengalur, accompanied by their family members.
He described the situation on the ground and Mr. Lad told trauma what he witnessed in Kashmir. “The scenes were heartbreaking. I couldn’t sleep for a minute in the last two days,” Hindu said.
Once the Karnataka tourists were identified and gathered, it was organized for a special lease for those who were unable to secure their return tickets separately. A total of 175 tourists were transported during this flight.
Mr. Lad confirmed that another 20 to 22 tourists remain in Kashmir and are expected to return soon through commercial flights. Mr. Lad promised that the government would continue to provide support and assistance in ensuring the safe return of all remaining citizens.
Published – April 25, 2025 12:55
