Pahalgam terror attack: Andhra coastline on high alert; Naidu announces ₹10L ex-gratia for two victims

Visakhapatnam: In the wake of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu announced that the coastline would remain on high alert, stressing the need for enhanced coordination between the State and Union governments.

The Chief Minister annouced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each for the families of two victims from Andhra Pradesh — JS Chandramouli, a retired bank employee, and IT professional Madhusudan from Kavali — who lost their lives in the brutal attack that claimed 28 lives.

On Wednesday night, Naidu arrived in Visakhapatnam to pay his respects to Chandramouli. He received the victim’s mortal remains at the airport, where he offered floral tributes and extended condolences to the grieving family. Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, and Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat accompanied him. The Chief Minister also joined the funeral procession for a short distance, echoing chants of "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" alongside the mourners.

In a media address, Naidu condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it a direct strike on India’s peace and unity. He said eyewitnesses reported that Chandramouli had tried to escape but was tragically gunned down, indicating the premeditated and organised nature of the assault.

"This was not merely an attack on individuals, but a deliberate attempt to harm India’s integrity and harmony," Naidu said. He pointed out that India had recently witnessed peaceful elections and improving employment prospects in regions like Kashmir, making such attacks even more deplorable.

He called on the public to remain vigilant and urged citizens to act as alert informants by reporting any suspicious activity. Naidu also expressed concern over the timing of the attack, noting it occurred during the U.S. Vice President’s visit to India and while the Prime Minister was on a foreign tour.