Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 22: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has strongly condemned the "cowardly" terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of two tourists from the state. In his post on social media platform X, Fadnavis offered his condolences to the victims' families and assured that his government was in constant contact with the Jammu and Kashmir administration to receive updates on the incident.

"Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives in this incident. We share the grief of their families and loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We are in touch with senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir administration," Fadnavis wrote. He further confirmed that two tourists from Maharashtra, Dilip Disle and Atul Mone, had lost their lives in the attack. Additionally, two more Maharashtra residents, Manik Patel from Panvel and S. Bhalchandra Rao, were injured but their conditions were reported as stable.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly terrorist act." In his message on X, he expressed his condolences to the victims' families and emphasized that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators. “All the injured citizens are receiving proper treatment,” he added.

The opposition also strongly condemned the attack. Shiv Sena UBT leader and Leader of the Opposition in the State Council, Ambadas Danve, termed the attack on tourists as "outrageous" and demanded harsh action against the terrorists and those aiding them. He also raised concerns about the security of tourists in Kashmir, stating that despite the increase in tourism after the abrogation of Article 370, security measures should be robust to prevent such incidents.

NCP MP and SP working president Supriya Sule expressed her condolences and called for immediate medical support for the injured tourists from Pune. She requested former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assist with providing clarity on the condition of the injured.

The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced in Jammu and Kashmir, especially in tourist areas, and the need for heightened vigilance to safeguard visitors.