Omar calls tourist exodus ‘heartbreaking’

Announces ex-gratia relief for victims of Pahalgam terror attack

24/04/2025

SRINAGAR, Apr 23: As a gesture of solidarity and to provide some succour to the grieving families and those injured in the Pahalgam terror attack, the Chief Minister today announced an ex-gratia relief package for victims of Pahalgam terror attack.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government will provide Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack. Further, Rs 2 lakh will be given to those who sustained serious injuries, and Rs 1 lakh to those with minor injuries.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed profound shock and anguish over the heinous terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam yesterday, terming it a barbaric and senseless act of brutality against innocent civilians.
In a strong condemnation issued today, the Chief Minister said, "This despicable act of terror has no place in our society. We mourn the precious lives lost and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Our hearts go out to them in this dark hour."
As a mark of solidarity and support, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced an ex-gratia relief of ?10 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased, ?2 lakh for those seriously injured, and ?1 lakh for those who sustained minor injuries.
The Chief Minister assured that all necessary arrangements have been made for the dignified transportation of the mortal remains to the victims' native places. Additionally, the injured are being provided with the best possible medical treatment.
"Our hearts go out to the bereaved families. We share your grief and stand by you in this dark hour," he said.
Reiterating the Government's firm resolve to combat terrorism, the Chief Minister asserted, "Terror will never break our resolve. We will not rest until those behind this barbarity are brought to justice."
Omar also said it was heartbreaking to witness the exodus of tourists from the Valley following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.
The attack, which took place on Tuesday in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, left 25 tourists and one local resident dead. The incident has triggered widespread panic among visitors, many of whom are now seeking to return home at the earliest.
To aid the evacuation efforts, Air India and IndiGo have announced the operation of four additional flights to accommodate the surge in outbound travel.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that while Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to organise extra flights, the National highway-44 between Srinagar and Jammu has been reconnected for traffic in a single direction.
"It's heartbreaking to see the exodus of our guests from the valley after yesterday's tragic terror attack in Pahalgam but at the same time we totally understand why people would want to leave," Omar said in a post on X.
"While DGCA & the Ministry of Civil Aviation are working to organise extra flights, NH-44 between Srinagar & Jammu has been reconnected for traffic in a single direction. I've directed the administration to facilitate traffic between Srinagar & Jammu allowing tourist vehicles to leave. This will have to be done in a controlled & organised way because the road is still unstable in places and we are also working hard to clear all the stranded vehicles. We will not be able to permit completely free movement of vehicles at the moment & we hope that everyone will cooperate with us," the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, in the aftermath of the terror incident in Pahalgam, Ministry of Civil Aviation Directorate General of Civil Aviation in an advisory said there is an unexpected demand from tourists seeking to return to their homes.
"The airlines are advised to take swift action to increase the number of flights in response to heightened demand and also ensure uninterrupted connectivity from Srinagar to various destinations across India, facilitating evacuation of stranded tourists," the advisory said.
The airlines were also requested to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling fees and provide all necessary assistance to tourists facing unexpected circumstances and challenges during this difficult time.

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