Actions Taken for Secure Evacuation of Tourists, Including Kannadigas, from Terror-Affected Areas in J&K: Joshi
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Synopsis
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi has reported that steps are being taken to evacuate tourists, including Kannadigas, from Kashmir amidst security concerns. The situation is being closely monitored by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Key Takeaways
- Safe evacuation of tourists from Kashmir is underway.
- Airlines instructed to keep airfares stable during the crisis.
- Rescue efforts are focused on terrorist attack sites.
- Government condemns the cowardly acts of terrorism.
- Coordination with families of victims is ongoing.
Bengaluru, April 23 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, has announced that measures are being implemented to safely evacuate tourists, including residents from Karnataka, from various destinations in Kashmir. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is overseeing the situation and making necessary decisions.
During a press briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday, Joshi emphasized that airlines have been instructed to keep airfares stable while assisting in the secure evacuation of tourists from Pahalgam in Kashmir.
Providing additional information, the minister noted that tourists are currently being transported from tourist sites in Kashmir to safer locations. Arrangements are also being made to return the remains of those who have passed away.
Ongoing rescue operations are focused on evacuating tourists from the terrorist attack site and other tourist areas in Kashmir. Airlines have been ordered not to raise ticket prices for ensuring the safety of tourists, he mentioned.
"I have liaised with the Civil Aviation Minister to guarantee that there is no rise in air ticket costs. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been tasked with closely overseeing this matter," Joshi stated.
"Since 2019, peace has been maintained in Jammu and Kashmir, a fact that cowardly individuals who perpetrated this heinous act could not tolerate. The Central Government will respond appropriately," added Minister Joshi.
Strongly denouncing the attack on tourists, Joshi remarked that terrorists, unable to accept the success of the Centre’s efforts against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, have resorted to such despicable acts. He mentioned that the government will implement even stricter measures to combat militant activities and restore peace in the valley as quickly as possible.
The state government has confirmed the deaths of two individuals from Karnataka in the Pahalgam tourist attack. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has announced that the body of Bharat Bhushan will be transported to Bengaluru via Mumbai on a flight scheduled for 3 PM today.
The remains of Manjunath Rao will be sent to Shivamogga city via New Delhi, with a flight scheduled for 6 PM.
The CMO also indicated that another victim, Madhusudhan Rao, who resided in Ramamurthy Nagar in Bengaluru, is originally from Andhra Pradesh.
Minister for Labour Santosh Lad has arrived in Pahalgam, Kashmir, to coordinate with the families of the deceased and facilitate the procedures for their prompt return.
The Director of the Karnataka Tourism Department has urged tour operators and travel agents to submit information about all tourists who traveled to Jammu and Kashmir. He has also requested that relatives, friends, and family of those currently touring Jammu and Kashmir provide their details through designated helplines.
