Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan strongly condemned the terror attack that occurred in Pahalgam, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district, on Tuesday.
In a post on social media platform X, Vijayan said that those behind the "heinous act" must be brought to justice and expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
"Strongly condemn the terror attack in #Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, and wish the injured a speedy recovery. Those behind this heinous act must be brought to justice. Let us stand united against such acts of violence and reaffirm our commitment to peace and harmony," he said on X.
Satheesan said he is deeply shocked to hear the tragic news of the terror attack.
“This happened at a time when tourism is a big activity in Kashmir, and this is the outcome of a possible deep-rooted conspiracy. The Centre is duty-bound to ensure the safety of the country is taken care,” said Satheesan.
Terming the attack as "shocking", he urged the central government to take immediate action to suppress the terrorists and ensure national security.
The office of CM Vijayan has informed that a resident from Kochi was also among those who have lost their lives in the terror attack. 68-year-old Kochi resident Ramachandran, who, along with his wife and daughter, had reached Kashmir on Monday.
NORKA Roots, the operational wing of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA), dedicated to addressing issues concerning Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs), has established a help desk to offer assistance, services, and information to Keralites, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office.
The toll-free help desk can be reached at 18004253939, and for missed calls, the number is 00918802012345.
Those stranded in Kashmir or in need of support, along with individuals seeking updates about their relatives, are advised to contact the help desk and register their details.
Reports indicate that two to three terrorists, dressed in army fatigues, launched an attack on a renowned meadow near Pahalgam town in Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 lives, predominantly tourists.
This marks the deadliest incident in the Valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. Among the victims were two foreigners and two locals, as confirmed by officials.
The attack took place at Baisaran, a picturesque location approximately six kilometres from Pahalgam, often referred to as 'mini Switzerland' for its scenic beauty and popularity among visitors worldwide.
(with inputs from agencies)