Karnataka businessman killed in Pahalgam terror attack, CM Siddaramaiah chairs meeting

Pahalgam terror attack: A businessman named Manjunath Rao from the Shivamogga district in Karnataka was shot dead in the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday, April 22, which prompted Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to hold a meeting with his officials over the incident, reported the news agency PTI. 

CM Siddaramaiah extended his condolences for Rao's demise, and also a team of officials from the government of Karnataka has left for Kashmir, according to the official statement cited in the report.

Karnataka CM's response

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah conducted an emergency meeting on an urgent basis with senior state officials, along with police, to review the terror attack which happened in Pahalgam, J&K, killing tourists. 

“I strongly condemn the heinous terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. Kannadigas are among the victims of this shocking incident. Upon receiving the news, I convened an emergency meeting and reviewed the situation with the Chief Secretary and senior police officials,” said Siddaramaiah in his post.

As per reports, Siddaramaiah's move came after reports emerged that Karnataka-origin tourists were killed and injured in the attack on tourists in Kashmir. He assured the people that the government was monitoring the issue and was willing to extend all the necessary support required.

“I have also spoken to the Resident Commissioner in Delhi. Following my directions, two teams -- one of senior officers and another of police personnel -- have been dispatched to J&K. An adventure team from the Sports Department, led by Commissioner Chethan, is also en route. We are closely monitoring the developments. All necessary support will be extended. Please be assured, the Government of Karnataka stands firmly with those affected,” he said. 

Terror Attack in J&K

A group of terrorists belonging to the Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot, killed 26 tourists, including two foreigners and two locals and injured 20 people in the Baisaran valley of Pahalgam, South Kashmir.

According to the local police, cited by the news agency, the terror attack happened around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. After the incident, security was beefed up in Pahalgam, and forces rushed to cordon off the area. 

Tourist Helpdesk in Pahalgam

According to a post on the social media platform X, the Anantnag police announced the launch of a tourist helpdesk in the aftermath of Tuesday's terrorist attack, which injured several people in Pahalgam.

Pahalgam helpdesk contact details are as follows:

Phone: 9596777669 / 01932225870

Whatsapp: 9419051940

The attack on tourists in Pahalgam comes as offline registration for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra began on April 15. The Amarnath Yatra is a 38-day pilgrimage which takes two routes: the first is the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, and the 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal district.