Approximately 500 Maharashtra Tourists Rescued from Kashmir

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Nearly 500 tourists from Maharashtra who were stranded in Kashmir following the tragic terror incident in Pahalgam have returned to the state over the past two days due to various initiatives taken by the MahaYuti government.

The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, is actively overseeing the evacuation of these tourists, having stepped in to arrange special flights. Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, is currently in Srinagar coordinating the government's efforts.

The state government has organized two special flights through IndiGo and Air India, with 184 tourists already arriving in Mumbai.

Additionally, arrangements are in place for another 232 tourists to return on April 25. After the incident, the Chief Minister instructed Disaster Management Minister Girish Mahajan to immediately travel to Kashmir to assess the situation.

The Chief Minister's office later released a statement indicating that Fadnavis has directed the organization of more flights on Friday if necessary, with the government covering the expenses. When Minister Mahajan visited tourists receiving treatment at the Army hospital, the Chief Minister connected with them via video call to express gratitude to the medical staff.

Shinde also visited the hospital to meet the recovering injured tourists.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, a comprehensive three-tier system has been established to facilitate the return of tourists from Kashmir, involving the Mantralaya, the Chief Minister's Office, and a dedicated cell at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi, ensuring that requests from across Maharashtra are addressed.

Accommodations have been arranged for some tourists at Kalika Dham, Jammu, where around 14 tourists from Amravati are currently staying. Some have already departed for Delhi under available arrangements, with more being organized for them in the capital. The special flight from Kashmir on April 25 will cater to tourists from Akola and Amravati. Passenger lists are continuously compiled at Maharashtra Sadan in New Delhi, and the state government is preparing to operate another special flight if required.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde shared on X, “Following the attack in Pahalgam, some tourists from our state were stranded in Kashmir. It was a challenge to ensure their safe return. After speaking with them, I understood their fear. I personally traveled to Kashmir to reassure them and facilitate their return. Late last night, 75 of these tourists were safely returned by a special flight. My colleagues from Shiv Sena greeted these tourists at the Mumbai airport to console them.”