Karnataka Victims in Pahalgam Terror Attack: State Sends Emergency Team to Kashmir

Terror Attack in Pahalgam Kills 26, Including Defense Personnel; Kashmir Observes Shutdown

Srinagar, 22 April: A brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam’s scenic Baisaran valley left at least 26 dead and several injured on Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest assaults on tourists in Kashmir in recent years. The attackers, disguised in Indian Army uniforms, opened indiscriminate fire on vacationers during an afternoon break, triggering panic across the region.

High-Profile Victims Identified

The deceased include Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal and his wife, along with Intelligence Bureau officer Manish Ranjan from Hyderabad. Among civilian casualties was Shivamogga-based realtor Manjunath Rao, whose wife survived the attack. Victims hailed from multiple states including Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, with some foreign nationals reportedly among the fatalities.

Valley-Wide Protest Shutdown

Jammu and Kashmir will observe a complete shutdown Wednesday following calls from:

• The Chamber & Bar Association Jammu

• Mutahida Majlis Ulema religious body

• Major political parties including PDP and Hurriyat

PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti declared the attack “an assault on Kashmir’s soul,” while Hurriyat’s Mirwaiz Umar Farooq emphasized Islamic teachings prohibit such violence against guests.

Security Response Intensifies

• Home Minister Amit Shah cut short his Delhi schedule to oversee crisis management in Srinagar

• J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha pledged “swift justice” as security forces launched combing operations

• Former CM Omar Abdullah condemned the “barbaric” attack and returned to Srinagar to coordinate relief

Helpline Established

Anantnag Police activated a 24/7 tourist assistance helpline (Contact: 9596777669, 01932225870) following the attack.

Southern States Mobilize Support

Karnataka dispatched an emergency response team led by senior IPS officer R Chethan after confirming state residents were among victims. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the state’s Delhi office to provide logistical support.

The attack has drawn parallels to the 2000 Nunwan massacre, occurring just weeks before the annual Amarnath pilgrimage. Security analysts express concern over militants targeting tourists during peak travel season, with investigations ongoing to determine the perpetrators’ network.

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