Two Andhra tourists among 28 killed in Pahalgam terror attack; Air India, IndiGo to operate 4 additional flights for evacuation

Pahalgam: Two tourists from Andhra Pradesh were among 28 people killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran in Jammu and Kashmir.

One of them was identified as J Chandramouli, a retired bank employee from Visakhapatnam. Reports said he attempted to flee, but the assailants chased him down and shot him dead. Upon receiving the information, his family members immediately left for Pahalgam.

Witnesses stated that Chandramouli pleaded for his life, but the terrorists reportedly shouted, “Go and tell your Prime Minister Modi,” before shooting him indiscriminately.

He collapsed on the spot with fatal injuries. Fellow tourists discovered Chandramouli’s body nearly three hours after the shooting. He, along with his wife, visiting Pahalgam with his family, Naga Mani, and four others, went on a trip to Kashmir on April 18. After the attack, he collapsed on the spot with fatal injuries.

Upon receiving the information, his family members immediately left for Pahalgam. According to Chandramouli's neighbours, he is a very friendly person. He has two daughters who live in the US.

Andhra Pradesh CM Nara Chandrababu Naidu to receive the mortal remains of the Chandramouli, and will meet the family members at Visakhapatnam airport.

Another Andhra Pradesh person, Somisetty Madhusudan Rao from Nellore, working in Bengaluru, was killed in the attack. He visited Jammu & Kashmir with his family, and his neighbours.

Rao has been working as a senior architect in Bengaluru. His mortal remains will be shifted to Chennai, from there they will be sent to Kavali. Unfortunately, his parents are not yet informed about his son's death, and both of them have cardiac issues.

The attack coincided with US Vice-President J D Vance's four-day visit to India and PM Narendra Modi's arrival in Saudi Arabia for strengthening bilateral engagement with the influential Islamic country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday landed in Delhi after cutting his two-day Saudi Arabia trip short, and chaired a key meeting with national security advisor Ajit Doval, EAM S Jaishankar, and others to discuss the situation given the Pahalgam terror attack.

Special flights to shift tourists:

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu has moved swiftly to ensure the safety and well-being of affected tourists and victims.

The Minister personally spoke to the Home Minister and is monitoring the situation round the clock, working in close coordination with relevant authorities. As part of immediate relief measures, four special flights from Srinagar—two to Delhi and two to Mumbai—have been arranged, with additional flights kept on standby to cater to further evacuation needs.

Ram Mohan Naidu also held an urgent meeting with all airline operators and issued a strong advisory against surge pricing. Airlines have been directed to maintain regular fare levels, ensuring that no passenger is burdened during this sensitive time. Additionally, he has directed all airlines to extend full cooperation for the transportation of deceased individuals to their respective home states, working in sync with state governments and local authorities.

DGCA has asked Airlines to consider waiving cancellation and rescheduling price.