Pahalgam terror attack: Victims' coffins arrive at Srinagar airport as nation mourns

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of one of the deadliest terror attacks since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, coffins carrying the mortal remains of the victims arrived at Srinagar airport.

State representatives from across India have reached the Valley to assist in facilitating the return of victims and stranded tourists to their respective states.

While the central government has yet to issue an official confirmation on the exact number of casualties, the incident has triggered a nationwide outpouring of grief and condemnation.

Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad landed in Srinagar to coordinate with authorities on behalf of the Siddaramaiah government. Ministers and officials from other states have also mobilized on the ground to support rescue and repatriation efforts.

In response to the increased movement of tourists and logistical demands at Srinagar airport, Air India has added two additional flights to Delhi and Mumbai. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has been in continuous communication with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the need for additional flight operations.

To ensure stable travel conditions, the Civil Aviation Ministry is monitoring airfares and has announced four more flights—two each to Delhi and Mumbai. The ministry is also coordinating with airlines to further scale operations based on passenger demand.

Security measures in and around Srinagar and Pahalgam have been significantly enhanced. Police have installed concertina wires at key checkpoints, and aerial surveys using helicopters are underway to assist ongoing search operations aimed at locating the perpetrators. The local community, especially in Pahalgam, has expressed deep anguish, with several calling for complete shutdowns as a mark of protest.

Gulzar Ahmad Wani, president of the Pahalgam Taxi Association, expressed heartfelt sorrow and concern:
"I condemn this attack. It is not just tourists, but our livelihood, our families. We don't consider them tourists. It is as if our family members have been killed. I request that the government investigate this matter thoroughly. Pahalgam has always been peaceful, and it runs on tourism."

Solidarity protests have erupted in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir as well. In Poonch district, the business community closed shops and marched with slogans such as, "Pakistan Haye Haye! Dehshatgardi band karo!" to condemn the act of terror and honor the victims.

In Karnataka’s Shivamogga, preparations for the funeral of Manjunath Rao, one of the victims, are underway. His family is awaiting the arrival of his body. His maternal uncle, Madhav Murthy, recounted:
"Manjunath is a relative. His son scored 98 per cent marks in the second PU exams, which is why he took his family to Jammu and Kashmir. Shivamogga MP, MLA, and many others, including RSS leaders, are trying to bring his mortal remains. They went on a package tour around eight days ago. When they were eating panipuri, terrorists attacked them. They told his wife and son to 'go and tell this to Modiji'. It's not good to lose anybody in any such attacks."

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the area around Pahalgam remains under tight security. Streets that were once bustling with tourists now lie deserted. Several tourists have opted to cut their trips short, adding to the somber atmosphere across the region. Multiple organizations have called for a Jammu bandh in protest and mourning.

Upon returning from his abbreviated diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi immediately convened a high-level briefing at Delhi airport. The meeting included External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and senior security officials to assess the evolving situation and coordinate further action.