Karnataka government to bring back 40 stranded tourists on special flight

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad and Tejaswi Surya, MP, interacting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit: special arrangement

The Karnataka government has taken steps to ensure the safe return of over 40 people from Karnataka stranded in Kashmir following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on Tuesday. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that a special flight is being arranged to bring back the tourists.

Three people from Karnataka were among those killed in the attack. The deceased have been identified as Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga, Bharath Bhushan and Madhusudan Rao from Bengaluru.

The Chief Minister, expressing his deep sorrow, personally reached out to the bereaved families over the phone, offering his condolences and assuring them of the government’s full support, according to the Chief Minister’s office

According to an official release, Mr. Siddaramaiah spoke to Pallavi, the wife of Manjunath Rao, and Sujatha, the wife of Bharath Bhushan, conveying his sympathies. Bharath Bhushan was fatally shot in the presence of his wife and their three-year-old son, while Manjunath Rao, a realtor by profession, lost his life as his wife and child witnessed the horrific event unfold.

“The State is committed to bringing back every Kannadiga from Kashmir safely,” the Chief Minister posted on the social media platform X. “There is no need for panic. I have directed officials to arrange a special flight and coordinate the evacuation efforts. We are acting promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of our people.”

As part of the rescue and support efforts, Labour Minister Santosh Lad was sent to Srinagar on Tuesday evening. Leading a team of state officials, Mr. Lad has been overseeing the operations to assist stranded tourists and coordinate with local authorities. He also visited the Muskaan Hotel in Srinagar, where many Karnataka tourists are currently staying, to provide reassurance and check on their welfare, according to a release by the CMO.

Helpline numbers

To ensure on-time assistance, the Karnataka government has issued helpline numbers — 080-43344334, 080-43344335, 080-43344336, and 080-43344342 — requesting relatives, acquaintances, tour operators, and travel agents to share the details of anyone who may be in Jammu and Kashmir.

 ₹10 lakh compensation 

Mr. Siddaramaiah on Wednesday evening also announced an ex gratia payment of ₹10 lakh to the families of each of the victims who lost their lives in the attack.

Tejaswi Surya, MP, interacting with the family members of Manjunath Rao who lost his life in the terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu Kashmir, in Srinagar on Wednesday.
| Photo Credit:
special arrangement

Meanwhile, Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya, who is accompanying the bereaved families on their return journey, stated that comprehensive support and coordination have been arranged for their travel. According to his statement, the group, along with the mortal remains of the victims, is travelling from Srinagar to Delhi on IndiGo flight 6E 3203, scheduled to land at 7:10 PM at Terminal 1, Delhi Airport. They will continue their onward journey to Bengaluru on IndiGo flight 6E 3101, departing at 1.10 a.m. on April 24 and arriving at 3.45 a.m.

Mr. Surya is travelling along with 13 family members of the deceased to provide assistance and ensure that all formalities are smoothly completed.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also reached out to the grieving families. In a telephonic conversation with Dr. Ravikiran, the brother-in-law of late Manjunath Rao, Mr. Shivakumar expressed his sympathies and offered the government’s unconditional support. “We are with you in this difficult hour. Please stay strong. The State will provide all necessary assistance,” he said. Additionally, the Deputy CM instructed Shivamogga district officials and the district in-charge minister to personally visit the bereaved family and extend every form of help.