NEW DELHI: BJP leader N Ramchander Rao claimed on Monday that a “foreign hand” was behind the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed and injured tourists, while security forces have launched search operations and allowed limited use of ALH Dhruv helicopters in the region.
Rao strongly condemned the attack, which he described as one of the biggest terror incidents since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
“The attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam by the terrorists is a grave and inhuman incident, which should be condemned by all the sections of the society. Terror activities in J&K have already come to zero. This incident definitely has a foreign hand behind it,” said Rao.
He called for unity among political parties in the fight against terrorism.
“Terror has no religion, and all the political parties have to combat terrorism. All political parties, including opposition parties, should speak one voice that we are all against terrorism,” Rao said.
The Indian Army has permitted limited operations of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv choppers in Srinagar and surrounding areas to support ongoing counter-terror operations, according to defence officials.
The helicopters had been grounded for over two months following a crash involving Indian Coast Guard officers in Porbandar, affecting troop movement in counter-terror operations.
The coffins of terror attack victims were transported to Srinagar airport, with state government representatives arriving to assist victims and tourists returning to their respective states.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has arranged additional flights, with two each to Delhi and Mumbai, and is coordinating with airlines to increase capacity based on demand.
The exact number of casualties in the Pahalgam terror attack has not been officially confirmed by the government.
Security measures have been intensified in the area, with streets in the usually busy tourist destination now appearing deserted.
Various organizations have called for a Jammu bandh in response to the attack.
The security forces continue their search operations to locate the terrorists responsible for the attack.