In the wake of the deadly terror strike in Pahalgam, the Maharashtra government has facilitated the return of 520 stranded tourists from Jammu and Kashmir through four special flights, with arrangements continuing to bring more home.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived in Srinagar to personally oversee the evacuation, ensuring reassurance and direct support to distressed travellers. The initiative was launched in the immediate aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in which 26 people, including one Nepali citizen, were killed by militants at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam.
"I met many of our stranded tourists—tired, anxious, but resilient. It was heartening to see their spirits lift just by knowing that their government is with them, on the ground. I'm here not just as Deputy CM, but as a fellow Maharashtrian—to stand by them, reassure them, and personally coordinate their safe return home," said Mr Shinde, speaking from Kashmir.
According to officials, the first flight, operated by Star Airlines, departed Srinagar at 1 a.m. on Thursday, carrying 75 passengers to Mumbai. Later in the day, two Akasa Air flights evacuated a further 370 tourists, with one flight landing in Mumbai at 7 p.m. and the other at approximately 9 p.m.
Shiv Sena arranged special buses for the final leg of the tourists’ return journey, ensuring their safe drop-off at home.
Another Star Airlines flight carrying 75 tourists departed Srinagar at 8 p.m. and was expected to arrive in Mumbai late Thursday night. With this, the total number of tourists brought back to Maharashtra stands at 520.
Officials said that operations are continuing under the supervision of Deputy CM Shinde and Member of Parliament Dr Shrikant Shinde. The state government is coordinating with local authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to identify and transport more stranded citizens.
The Pahalgam attack, which has been described as the worst since the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing, has sparked national outrage. India has since taken a series of diplomatic steps against Pakistan, including suspending the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme, shutting the Attari Integrated Check Post, and halting the Indus Waters Treaty.
Follow us
