Synopsis
The Gujarat government is facilitating the respectful return of Pahalgam terror attack victims in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir authorities. Arrangements include airlifting the deceased and their relatives, ensuring a dignified repatriation process.Key Takeaways
- Collaboration between Gujarat and J&K governments.
- Dignified repatriation of terror attack victims.
- Coordination for safe transport of bodies and relatives.
- Quick response from State Emergency Operations Centre.
- Prime Minister Modi condemns the attack.
Gandhinagar, April 23 (NationPress) The Gujarat government announced on Wednesday that it is collaborating with the Jammu and Kashmir government to facilitate the dignified return of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“The mortal remains of three tourists from Gujarat who lost their lives in the attack will be transported back to Gujarat via air. We are in close cooperation with the Jammu and Kashmir government to ensure their respectful repatriation,” stated a government official.
Three tourists from Gujarat were killed in the incident, with two from Bhavnagar district and one from Surat.
“The bodies of the victims from Bhavnagar, along with four accompanying relatives, will be flown to Ahmedabad and then taken to Bhavnagar by road with police escort and coordinated piloting to guarantee a safe and dignified return,” the official mentioned.
For the Surat victim, arrangements have been made for airlifting the body and six relatives from Srinagar to Delhi, followed by a flight to Surat.
“Administrative coordination has ensured that all necessary protocols are being followed smoothly,” the official added.
Following the attack on Tuesday, the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar quickly contacted the Jammu & Kashmir government, local law enforcement, and hospitals to verify the safety and location of all tourists.
Information was gathered through a phone call with Harshadbhai Nathani, a relative of one of the tourists who was present during the attack.
“Details of the incident were confirmed through communication with the Anantnag Police Station, which is investigating the case,” he stated.
The official mentioned that the SEOC Gujarat received a comprehensive list of all victims and survivors from its J&K counterpart.
“While three individuals from Gujarat were confirmed deceased and one injured, others in the group have been located and are being assisted in their safe return home,” the official said.
At least 26 tourists and local civilians lost their lives on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Baisaran, Jammu and Kashmir.
Eyewitness accounts reported that a group of heavily armed terrorists emerged from nearby forests and opened fire indiscriminately on tourists.
Baisran is a small meadow located three to four kilometers from the Pahalgam market, accessible only by horse as there is no motorable road.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi on Wednesday morning after cutting short his trip to Saudi Arabia due to the attack.
He held a brief meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the airport. PM Modi condemned the terrorist act, asserting that those responsible will face justice and reaffirming India’s unwavering commitment to combat terrorism.
