Srinagar,: Two tourists from Maharashtra were among those killed in the brutal terrorist attack that unfolded in the Baisaran valley near Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday afternoon. The incident, which left several others injured, has sent shockwaves across the country.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis confirmed that Dilip Disale and Atul Mone lost their lives in the attack. Two more tourists from the state—Manik Patel from Panvel and S. Bhalchandra Rao—sustained injuries and are currently in stable condition. “I strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. My heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives. We stand firmly with their families in this moment of grief,” Fadnavis posted on X.
The attack took place at the scenic Baisaran meadows, located about 5 km from Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in south Kashmir. Eyewitnesses reported that heavily armed terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on a large crowd of tourists, triggering panic. Over 500 people were said to be present at the time.
Among the other victims was Prashant Satpathy, a 43-year-old man from Balasore district, Odisha, who was visiting with his wife and 11-year-old son. He worked as an accounts assistant at the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology. His brother said the family was enjoying a zipline ride when Satpathy was struck by gunfire. His body was later recovered by authorities.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow and solidarity. “Violence has no place in our society. We mourn the loss of innocent lives and pray for the recovery of the injured,” Majhi stated. He has also directed Odisha’s Resident Commissioner in Delhi to ensure the swift repatriation of Satpathy’s body.
The incident has raised serious concerns about tourist safety in Kashmir, especially as the region enters its peak travel season. Security has been intensified, and a probe is underway to identify those responsible for the attack.
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