Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a strong assurance to the people of the state, especially families and friends of those currently touring Jammu and Kashmir, following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead, including two tourists from Karnataka. In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Chief Minister confirmed that over 40 Kannadigas have been stranded in the region and efforts are already underway to ensure their safe return. The Chief Minister said that he has directed officials to make arrangements for a special flight to bring back the stranded tourists. Expressing deep sorrow over the attack, Siddaramaiah reaffirmed that the safety of every Kannadiga is a top priority for his administration. He asked citizens to remain calm and assured them that the government is fully committed to ensuring everyone’s return.

The tragic attack in Pahalgam, a well-known tourist destination in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, occurred on Tuesday and has drawn widespread condemnation. Among the victims were two individuals from Karnataka: Manjunath Rao from Shivamogga and Bharat Bhushan from Bengaluru. Their deaths have deeply saddened the state, prompting swift action from the Karnataka government. In addition to the rescue flight, Siddaramaiah announced that a dedicated team has been deployed to coordinate on the ground in Jammu and Kashmir. He also confirmed that Minister Santosh Lad has been sent to the region to offer direct support to stranded individuals and oversee the evacuation efforts personally.

To further support the ongoing rescue operation, the Karnataka Tourism Department has issued an official notice urging all tour operators and travel agencies operating from Karnataka to share immediate information regarding tourists who might still be present in Jammu and Kashmir. This coordination effort aims to account for every traveler and avoid any oversight during the evacuation. Relatives and friends of those who may be currently touring the conflict-affected areas have also been encouraged to contact the authorities through dedicated helpline numbers. The government emphasized that timely communication is crucial in ensuring no one is left behind during the evacuation mission.

Helpline Numbers Issued by the Karnataka Government:

• 080-43344334

• 080-43344335

• 080-43344336

• 080-43344342

These numbers are operational round the clock, and concerned individuals are requested to reach out for information or support regarding the whereabouts and status of their loved ones. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of tourists visiting conflict-prone zones and the need for better alert mechanisms to preempt such tragedies. As investigations continue into the Pahalgam attack, national security agencies have indicated that a top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander may have orchestrated the attack.

In the wake of this horrific event, the government of Karnataka is making all possible efforts to mitigate the crisis and bring back affected citizens safely. CM Siddaramaiah's swift response and on-ground deployment reflect the state’s commitment to its people, even beyond its geographical boundaries. While the state mourns the loss of two of its own, the focus now shifts to ensuring that every remaining Kannadiga returns home safely and without further trauma. As the evacuation operation proceeds, the Karnataka government has reiterated its appeal to the public to cooperate, share information promptly, and refrain from panic. Additional updates from the Tourism Department and the Chief Minister's office are expected as the situation unfolds.