Maharashtra leaders condemn Pahalgam terror attack as six state tourists are among the 27 killed; swift response ensures safe return of stranded citizens | File Photo
Mumbai: In a horrifying terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, 27 tourists lost their lives while several others were injured. Among the deceased, six victims were from Maharashtra, leading to widespread anger and grief across the state and nation. Political leaders, state officials, and citizens have condemned the brutal attack, with calls for justice and decisive action echoing across the country.
Following the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde traveled to Jammu and Kashmir to oversee rescue and relief operations for stranded citizens. The state government has been working on war footing to ensure the safety and return of its residents.
DCM Ajit Pawar also spoke directly with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, urging him to expedite assistance to Maharashtra tourists. Two officers have been specially appointed at the state’s Disaster Management Cell to coordinate support efforts.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis strongly condemned the attack and announced an ex-gratia payment for both the deceased and the injured. Under his direction, a special Indigo flight has been arranged to bring back 83 stranded tourists to Mumbai on April 24.
Efforts are underway to schedule an additional flight on the same day. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol is extending full support, and the state government will bear all related expenses.
Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has been directed to oversee the arrival of the bodies of two Pune victims, Kaustubh Ganuvate and Santosh Jagdale, at Pune airport. The government has assured that all efforts are being made to bring home the deceased with dignity and provide the injured with prompt medical care.
Political Response
Political parties across the spectrum have staged protests condemning the cowardly attack. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized rallies in various parts of Mumbai, with placards declaring “Pakistan Murdabad” and support for the central government’s stand against terrorism. Notable BJP leaders including Atul Bhatkhalkar, Yogesh Sagar, Manisha Choudhary, and Gopal Shetty participated in the demonstrations.
The Congress Party held a silent tribute followed by a protest march at Tilak Bhavan in Dadar. Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Harshavardhan Sapkal demanded a firm response against the perpetrators and criticized intelligence and security failures.
He urged for an all-party meeting to build consensus on national security measures. Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also slammed the government, questioning the absence of adequate security despite the magnitude of the attack.
Former Deputy CM Chhagan Bhujbal, representing the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the All India Mahatma Phule Samata Parishad, also paid tributes and demanded the strictest punishment for the attackers.
Shiv Sena, too, strongly condemned the attack. Led by spokesperson Sanjay Nirupam, the party held a protest at Shantaram Talav and Kurar Village in Malad, burning Pakistan’s flags and chanting anti-terrorist slogans. Nirupam lashed out at Pakistan’s support for terror outfits, urging for a military response that would crush terrorism at its roots.
Coordinated Relief and Return Efforts
A dedicated team from the Shiv Sena had already reached Srinagar for coordination, while MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde’s aide Abhijit Darekar is facilitating the return of victims and their families. Maharashtra ministers Gulabrao Patil and Yogesh Kadam are managing local support in Mumbai.
Deputy CMs Shinde and Pawar have assured citizens that their top priority is the safe return of all stranded individuals and dignified handling of the deceased. The Maharashtra government, in close coordination with central authorities, remains on high alert and has mobilized all necessary agencies to respond swiftly and sensitively to this tragedy.
