BENGALURU: Many families from Karnataka, which escaped the Pahalgam bloodbath narrowly more by accident, Wednesday recalled their close encounters with a shudder.
One family from Harapanahalli in North Karnataka buying saffron from a shop in Pahalgam cowered just enough to escape a hail of bullets sprayed by terrorists who stormed the business establishment on Tuesday afternoon.
Over 50 tourists from coastal Karnataka also recounted how they almost came in the line of fire and a last-minute change in plan saved their lives.
Karnataka minister Santosh Lad, who is overseeing the relief operations, said as many as 170 people from Karnataka are currently in Kashmir and efforts are on to extend all possible help for their early and safe return home.
CM Siddaramaiah announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to families of the two tourists from Karnataka killed in Pahalgam.
The bodies of Bengalurean Bharat Bhushan and Shivamogga businessman Manjunatha Rao are expected to reach their hometowns on Thursday.
Rs 10 lakh ex gratia each for families
Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to families of the two from Karnataka who were killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. Siddaramaiah condemned the attack and said a team of officials from Karnataka, led by labour minister Santosh Lad, has ensured the safe return of over 40 Kannadaspeaking tourists through special flights.
Terming the attack a “preplanned conspiracy”, Siddaramaiah said the brazen attack highlights the failure of central intelligence agencies. He drew parallels with the earlier Pulwama attack, which he said was also the result of intelligence failure. Industries minister MB Patil, condoled the deaths and said the terrorists must be tracked down, shot and killed.
Candlelight vigil in Bengaluru
Solemn prayers were held on busy streets of Jayanagar, Bengaluru Wednesday, as people with lit candles stood in solidarity with bereaved families of Tuesday’s Pahalgam terrorist attack. People threw flowers, chanted slogans, and mourned the dead.
Vinita Kaul, a social volunteer and Kashmiri pandit settled in the city, said, “It is humanity first. It is not about Kannada, Punjabi, or Kashmiri. We want justice, and we request the govt to take necessary action as fast as they can. It’s high time to act decisively. Enough is enough.” Anuradha Khar, an IVF specialist and Kashmiri pandit who came to Karnataka many years ago and is based in HSR Layout, said, “We left Kashmir to feel safe, but today I don’t feel safe. The govt must act, because it’s not about a region, or religion. It’s about the whole country.”
Five of family from Chikkamagaluru safe
Five members of a family from Rameshwar Layout, Chikkamagaluru town, who were on a five-day holiday trip to Kashmir, are safe in Pahalgam, district administration officials said. The five — Chandrashekhar, his mother Indiramma, wife Leela, and children Nakshath and Sneha — were heading to Baisaran Valley when the attack occurred. They immediately returned to their hotel.