Five tourists from Maharashtra were tragically killed in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. The attack, which targeted civilians in the Anantnag district, has sparked nationwide outrage and condemnation.
In response to the crisis, Deputy CM Shinde reached out to Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, requesting a special flight to evacuate stranded tourists from Maharashtra. The Union Minister assured that once the list of those stranded is received, immediate efforts will be made to bring them back to Mumbai via a special flight.
According to the Thane District Information Office, three of the deceased hailed from the Dombivli area in Thane district. They have been identified as Hemant Joshi, Sanjay Lele, and Atul Mone—the latter being a Senior Section Engineer with Indian Railways. Authorities are working closely with their families to provide support. Helpline numbers have also been issued for Thane residents currently stuck in Kashmir.
Beyond the fatalities, several tourists from Maharashtra were also injured in the attack. A statement from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ office revealed that two individuals, one from Nagpur and another from Pune, sustained injuries. The state government has pledged full support to the affected families and individuals.
“A family from Nagpur present at the site jumped from a height in panic upon hearing gunfire. Simran Rupchandani suffered a leg fracture, while Tilak and Garv Rupchandani accompanying her are safe and receiving help,” read a post by the Chief Minister’s Office on X.
In a separate update, the CMO confirmed that Santosh Jagdale from Pune sustained bullet injuries. His wife was also hurt in the attack. CM Fadnavis personally contacted their family to offer assistance and support from the state.
Condemning the attack, Fadnavis stated, “This cowardly act was an attempt to derail Jammu and Kashmir’s path to progress. But such destructive forces will not succeed. ‘Esi shaktio ko kuchalna, ye Bharat janta hai’ — the people of India know how to crush these evil forces.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also denounced the attack, expressing deep condolences and assuring justice for the victims. “Those behind this heinous act will not be spared. Our fight against terrorism will only grow stronger,” he posted on X.
In response to the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting and traveled to Srinagar to review the situation. He assured that all those responsible will be brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified search operations in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam to track down the perpetrators. Security has been ramped up nationwide, with Delhi Police placed on alert to monitor key public and tourist locations.
The brutal attack on innocent tourists has not only shaken the nation but also reaffirmed India’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.