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J&K attack: 'Terrorists targeted male tourists..' claims Pune victim's daughter

The daughter of a businessman from Pune killed in the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam has claimed that terrorists specifically targeted male tourists after asking them to identify their religion. Two businessmen from Maharashtra's Pune, Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, sustained gunshot wounds in the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday and later succumbed, officials said. Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 persons, mostly tourists, and injuring several others, according to officials. The deceased included two foreigners -- from the UAE and Nepal -- and two locals, they said. Jagdale was part of a five-member group, which also included his wife Pragati, daughter Asavari, Kaustubh Ganbote and Sangita Ganbote, who travelled to Pahalgam on Tuesday. Asavari, 26, a human resource professional in Pune, told PTI that her father and uncle were shot by terrorists while they were at a stop, called 'mini Switzerland' in Betaab Valley. "There were several tourists around, but the terrorists specifically targeted male tourists after asking whether they were Hindu or Muslim," she said. The family was on a vacation at the idyllic spot when they heard firing from "people who wore clothes similar to those of local police" descending from the nearby hill. "We immediately rushed to a nearby tent for protection. So did six to seven others (tourists). We all lay down on the ground as protection against the firing which we then assumed was between the terrorists and security personnel," Asavari said. She said the group of terrorists first came to a nearby tent and opened fire. "Then they came to our tent and asked my father to come out," she said."They said 'Chaudhari tu bahar aa ja'," Asavari said. The terrorists then blamed them for supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after which they made some statements to deny that Kashmiri militants kill innocent people, women and children, she said. "They then asked my father to recite an Islamic verse (probably the Kalma). When he failed to do so, they pumped three bullets into him, one on the head, one behind the ear and another in the back," she said. "My uncle was next to me. The terrorists fired four to five bullets into him. They shot several other males who were at the spot. There was nobody to help. No police or army, who reached 20 minutes later. Even the locals there were reciting the Islamic verse," she said. Asavari, her mother and another female relative were spared, and locals and security forces evacuated them to Pahalgam Club. "The people who took us to the spot on ponies helped us, three women, including myself and my mother -- make the return journey. Later we underwent medical examination to check for injuries and were then shifted to Pahalgam Club," she said. "After the firing started, we ran along with other tourists. Later, the Indian Army reached the spot and rescued us," she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

23 April,2025 10:23 AM IST | Pune | PTI
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Gujarat: Earthquake of magnitude 4.3 jolts Kachchh

An earthquake of magnitude 4.3 on the Richter scale hit Gujarat's Kachchh district on Tuesday night, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The tremors were felt at around 11.26 pm at a depth of 20 kilometres in Kachchh. In a social media post on X, NCS wrote, "EQ of M: 4.3, On: 22/04/2025 23:26:11 IST, Lat: 23.52 N, Long: 69.95 E, Depth: 20 Km, Location: Kachchh, Gujarat." India News, Latest India News, India News Today, Live India News The tremors were felt in parts of the region, but there were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. Further details awaited.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

23 April,2025 09:01 AM IST | Kachchh | ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pic/AFP

PM Modi holds meeting with NSA, foreign minister at Delhi airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning held a meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Delhi airport upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia, as he took stock of the situation following the Pahalgam terror attack, reported news agency PTI. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was also part of the meeting, officials said, reported PTI. PM Modi was briefed by the officials immediately upon his return amid the nationwide shock and outrage over the most gruesome attack targeting tourists in the Valley in a long spell of time. Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others, according to officials. The deceased included two foreigners -- from the UAE and Nepal -- and two locals, they said. PM Modi cut short his trip to Saudi Arabia to return on Wednesday morning, while Home Minister Amit Shah rushed to Srinagar on Tuesday evening to spearhead the security measures, reported PTI. The prime minister has vowed that these behind the attack will not be spared and brought to justice. Earlier, the PM condemned the attack and vowed that those behind this attack would be brought to justice. "I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured recover at the earliest. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected. Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable, and it will get even stronger." Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman had also cut short her visit to foreign nations in the wake of a gruesome terror attack in Pahalgam, one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Sitharaman was on her official visit to the US and Peru, reported PTI. Meanwhile, the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack. (With inputs from PTI)

23 April,2025 08:53 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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J-K political parties unite in condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, several political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have extended their support to the call for a Kashmir Bandh (shutdown) on Wednesday to condemn the attack and show solidarity with the victims' families. Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has appealed to the people to make the Bandh a "complete success" and join in condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. In a social media post on X, JKNC wrote, "On the instruction of the Party President, JKNC joins the collective call for a bandh in strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. We appeal to the people of J&K to ensure the hartal called by religious and social leaders is a complete success." On the instruction of the Party President, JKNC joins the collective call for a bandh in strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. We appeal to the people of J&K to ensure the hartal called by religious and social leaders is a complete success. — JKNC (@JKNC_) April 22, 2025 Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti has expressed solidarity with the victims' families and supported the shutdown, calling it an "attack on all of us." "The Chamber and Bar Association Jammu has called for a complete shutdown tomorrow in protest against the horrific militant attack on tourists. I appeal all Kashmiris to unite in solidarity to support this bandh as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost in the brutal assault in Pahalgam. This isn't just an attack on a select few--it is an attack on all of us. We stand together in grief and outrage & strongly support this shutdown to condemn the massacre of innocents," Mufti posted on X. The Chamber & Bar Association Jammu has called for a complete shutdown tomorrow in protest against the horrific militant attack on tourists. I appeal all Kashmiris to unite in solidarity to support this bandh as a mark of respect for the innocent lives lost in the brutal assault… — Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 22, 2025 Jammu-Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) has termed the attack an "assault on the very soul of Jammu and Kashmir" and has extended its support to the Bandh. "JKSA fully supports the bandh called by the Chamber & Bar Association Jammu tomorrow, in response to the Terrorist Attack on tourists in Pahalgam. This tragic assault is not just an attack on a few individuals; it is an assault on the very soul of Jammu & Kashmir," JKSA posted on X. https://x.com/JKSTUDENTSASSO/status/1914724321672548783 All Parties Hurriyat Conference Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to support the shutdown and peacefully protest against the "heinous crime." Taking to social media post on X, Farooq wrote, "Whoever kills an innocent soul...it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. Another day of carnage in the blood-soaked history of Kashmir, when visiting tourists are mercilessly killed in a most gruesome manner. Hapless people of Kashmir know the pain and grief of such tragedies for those who have lost their loved ones today. Such gruesomeness is abhorred in Islam, which is essentially a religion of peace and goodwill, and against all human ethics. The Islamic fraternity of Jammu and Kashmir, through Mutahida Majlis Ulema (MMU) in support and solidarity with the bereaved families of those killed, appeals to people of Jammu and Kashmir to peacefully protest this heinous crime tomorrow by a shutdown." Whoever kills an innocent soul…it is as if he had slain mankind entirely”﴿مَنْ قَتَلَ نَفْسًا بِغَيْرِ نَفْسٍ…فَكَأَنَّمَا قَتَلَ النَّاسَ جَمِيعًا﴾ (Al Quran) Another day of carnage in the blood soaked history of Kashmir when visiting tourists in a most gruesome manner… — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) April 22, 2025 Meanwhile, Democratic Progressive Azad Party leader Abdul Majid Wani urged the central and state government to take action against the perpetrators of the attack and extend all possible help to the bereaved families. "... No religion says to kill anyone. One who kills anyone does not belong to any religion. The central government and state government should take action against those responsible for such attacks... The government should extend all possible help to those families who have lost their loved ones..." Wani said. The incident, which targeted tourists in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, sparked widespread outrage across the country. Several political leaders condemned the attack. Residents of Jammu and Kashmir turned up for a candlelight march at several places in the state against the Pahalgam terror attack that took place on Tuesday. Locals in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch and Kupwara held a candlelight march while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu held a protest against the terror attack. Locals in the Khod village of Akhoor area of the territory also held candle march protest against the Pahalgam terror attack. Five tourists from Maharashtra have also lost their lives in the recent Pahalgam terror attack, according to a statement from the office of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The Deputy CM has requested Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to arrange a special flight to evacuate stranded tourists from Maharashtra. Responding to the appeal, the Union Minister assured Shinde that once the list of stranded individuals is shared with the Ministry, efforts will be initiated to transport them to Mumbai as a priority. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and said those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice. In a post on X, PM Modi stated that those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice. "I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected," PM Modi said. "Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice...they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger," he added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting with all the agencies following the Pahalgam terror attack. Home Minister Shah reached Srinagar on Tuesday evening for the security review meeting. He said earlier that those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared. The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a search operation in the general area of Baisran, Pahalgam, Anantnag, to nab the perpetrators of the attack. Delhi Police has also been instructed to keep a close watch on tourist places and other important places. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

23 April,2025 08:36 AM IST | Srinagar | ANI
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Pahalgam attack: Air India, IndiGo to operate additional flights from Srinagar

Air India and IndiGo will operate a total of four additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday. Terrorists opened fire at a famed meadow near Kashmir's Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing 26 people, mostly tourists. "In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, April 23," Air India said in a post on X. An IndiGo official said it will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke to Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu regarding the tragic incident in Pahalgam, where tourists from Maharashtra lost their lives. According to Shinde's office, he has requested Naidu to make special arrangements for the immediate transportation of the mortal remains of the deceased from Srinagar to Mumbai. In response, Naidu has assured that all necessary measures will be taken and special arrangements will be made to facilitate the return of the bodies at the earliest, Shinde's office said. On Wednesday, Air India will operate a flight from Srinagar to Delhi at 11.30 am and from Srinagar to Mumbai at 12 noon. "All our other flights to and from Srinagar will continue to operate as per schedule," it said. Air India operates five flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Srinagar daily. The airline is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till April 30 on these sectors," the airline said. In a statement, IndiGo said that to support those traveling to/from Srinagar, it is offering waivers for cancellation or rescheduling, besides adding two flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Srinagar over and above the regular schedule. IndiGo operates 20 flights from Srinagar daily. Air India Express said that in view of the prevailing situation in Pahalgam, it is extending full support to its passengers flying to and from Srinagar. "Guests booked to travel on Air India Express flights from or to Srinagar until 30th April 2025 are being offered the flexibility to reschedule their travel with a complete waiver of date change fees and fare difference," the airline said in a post on X. According to the airline, passengers may also opt to cancel their bookings and receive a full refund to their original mode of payment. Air India Express connects Srinagar directly to five destinations -- Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Kolkata -- with around 80 weekly flights. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

23 April,2025 08:33 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
People react following the terror attack

Jammu and Kashmir: 26 killed as militants open fire at tourists in Pahalgam

Terrorists opened fire at a famed meadow near Pahalgam town on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, in the deadliest attack in the valley since the Pulwama strike in 2019. The deceased included two foreigners and two locals, a high-ranking official said, without getting into details. The incident occurred at around 3 pm when terrorists came down from the mountain in Baisaran valley and started firing at the tourists who frequent the place which is often dubbed as ‘mini Switzerland’ because of its long lush green meadows. The toll is still being ascertained, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said while describing the terror attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years”. Armed terrorists came into the grassland, dubbed “mini Switzerland”, and started firing at tourists milling around eateries, taking pony rides or picnicking, officials and eyewitnesses said. Security personnel stand guard in Pahalgam. Pics/PTI As news of the attack spread, The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, claimed responsibility. The officials said it was possible members of the terror group crossed over from Kishtwar in Jammu and reached Baisaran through Kokernag in south Kashmir.  More than 30 persons were killed and 60 others injured in a terror attack on Amarnath base camp in Pahalgam in 2000. A year later, 13 persons were killed and 15 others injured in an attack on Amarnath pilgrims at Sheshnag while 11 persons were killed in another attack in 2002 in the Pahalgam area. Eight pilgrims were killed in a terror attack in 2017 as they were on the way home from Amarnath shrine. A tourist couple from Rajasthan was injured in a firing incident by terrorists at Yannar in Pahalgam in May last year.  Security beefed up Security has been beefed up across Jammu as various outfits have called for protests on Wednesday to condemn a deadly terror attack on tourists in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam tourist resort, officials said. Officials said a high-level security meeting, jointly chaired by Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, is underway at the Police Control Room here to chalk out a strategy to deal with the situation. Additional police and paramilitary forces have already been deployed in sensitive areas as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and law and order, they said. Emergency helpline Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday set up a round-the-clock emergency helpline to assist tourists in the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. “A 24x7 emergency help desk has been established by Anantnag district administration for tourists requiring assistance or information. Tourists can contact 01932222337, 7780885759, 9697982527 or 6006365245 for information or assistance,” an official spokesperson said. He said an emergency control room has been established in Srinagar as well. Tourists can contact 01942457543, 01942483651 or 7006058623 for assistance on the Pahalgam terror incident, he said. PM Modi condemns Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that those behind the heinous act will be brought to justice. In a post on X, the prime minister said, “They (terrorists) will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakable and it will get even stronger.” Anguished Shah reaches Srinagar Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Srinagar to review security situation in Kashmir following the terrorist attack. “Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, J&K. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences,” Shah said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

23 April,2025 08:24 AM IST | Srinagar | Agencies
JD Vance, PM Narendra Modi held talks, on Monday. Pic/X@narendramodi

India, US set roadmap for trade negotiations

India and the US have finalised the terms of reference outlining the roadmap for negotiations of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), according to a statement issued by the US. US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer said that these ongoing talks will help achieve balance and reciprocity by opening new markets for American goods and addressing unfair practices that harm US workers. “India’s constructive engagement so far has been welcomed, and I look forward to creating new opportunities for workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs in both countries,” he said in a statement. “I am pleased to confirm that USTR and India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry have finalised the Terms of Reference to lay down a roadmap for the negotiations on reciprocal trade,” Ambassador Greer said. He claimed that there is a “serious” lack of reciprocity in the trade relationship with India. India and the US on Monday said that they made “significant progress” in negotiations for a mutually beneficial bilateral trade pact as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance held wide-ranging talks here. Vance is the first US Vice President to visit India in 12 years after Joe Biden visited New Delhi in 2013.  On February 13, the two countries announced that they would negotiate the BTA. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

23 April,2025 08:23 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
Archit Dongre worked in the IT sector for a year before quitting his job to focus fully on his UPSC preparation. Representational pic

Pune's Archit Dongre secures All India Rank 3 in UPSC Civil Services Exam 2024

Pune continues to shine on the national stage as Archit Parag Dongre secured All India Rank-3 in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination 2024, becoming the highest-ranking candidate from Maharashtra this year. His remarkable journey is not only a moment of pride for the state but also an inspiration for civil service aspirants across the country. mid-day.com tried reaching out to Archit but he was unavailable for an interview as he is currently undergoing training in Dehradun, informed his associates. However, Mahesh Kumar S, his teacher and mentor at Enlite IAS Institute in Thiruvananthapuram, said, “He is a very bright and hardworking student. I have known him for the past two years. He joined our online course. This was his second attempt. In his first attempt, he secured Rank 153, but he was determined to improve — and he succeeded by securing one of the top ranks.” Mahesh Kumar added, “He was so busy with his training that even we couldn’t speak with him. His interview test was held just two days ago, and he told me he wasn’t very confident about it. Improving your rank significantly in a second attempt is very difficult — but he did it.” Born into an Air Force family, Archit travelled across India during his school years. A graduate in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from VIT Vellore, he opted for Philosophy as his optional subject — an unusual yet bold choice for an engineer. His fascination with philosophy began in his college days, during which he read numerous books on the subject. A native of Mumbai, Archit completed his schooling there before moving to Pune for junior college. He later worked in the IT sector for a year before quitting his job to focus fully on his UPSC preparation. This was not Archit’s first tryst with UPSC success. In 2023, he cracked the examination with an All India Rank of 153. His determination and focus helped him make a dramatic leap in 2024, placing him among the top three in the country. When asked why an engineering graduate like Archit chose Philosophy as his optional subject, Mahesh Kumar explained that candidates are not required to pick their graduation subject. “Archit had a deep interest and understanding of Philosophy. He found the syllabus concise and manageable. It doesn’t require any academic background, and it offers intellectual satisfaction. The brevity of the syllabus allowed him to complete and revise it thoroughly, even within a limited timeframe.” Archit often read philosophy books during his college days. He was always intrigued by core philosophical concepts. Archit regularly revised his own notes, and his pictographic memory helped him retain abstract concepts efficiently. According to him, the beauty of Philosophy lies in its abstract nature. “One must have love and a natural inclination toward the subject before choosing it,” he once said.  

23 April,2025 04:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Archana Dahiwal
Two tourists from Pune have been killed. One of them has been identified as Atul Mone (above).

Terrorists shot my father thrice: Tourist from Pune injured in Pahalgam attack

Panic and sorrow gripped several families in Pune as news emerged of a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu-Kashmir, in which at least two tourists from Maharashtra were killed and several others — including Pune residents — were injured. The victims from the city have been identified as Dilip Disle and Atul Mone. Officials from the Maharashtra government said that it was not yet confirmed which place Disle and Mone lost their lives. The verification process is underway. "Mone worked as a senior section engineer at the wheel shop of Central Railway’s Parel workshop. Speaking to mid-day.com, a Central Railway official said, 'While the Maharashtra government and the Ministry of Home Affairs are making arrangements, our team is also trying to contact his family to offer any support that can be arranged by the railway administration. In this regard, the Northern Railway’s Jammu and Ferozepur Divisions have been apprised to extend whatever support is feasible under local conditions to the bereaved family. Maharashtra government officials also confirmed that multiple people from Pune were caught in the crossfire and sustained gunshot injuries. Among those injured from Pune are Asawari Jagdale, Pragati Jagdale, businessman Santosh Jagdale (gunshot wound), Kaustubh Ganbote (gunshot wound), and Sangeeta Gabote. The families of the injured have appealed for immediate medical assistance to their loved ones and clarity on their condition. 'Terrorists wore clothes similar to police uniforms' Twenty-six-year-old Asawari Jagdale spoke to reporters over the phone, five hours after the terror attack. The human resources professional said the family had been vacationing at the picturesque spot of Baisaran Valley when they heard gunfire from assailants who were dressed in clothes similar to those of local police, descending from a nearby hill. "We were a group of five, including my parents, at Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam – at a place known as ‘Mini Switzerland’ – when the firing began," Asawari Jagdale said. Recounting the horror, she said that her family hid in fear inside a tent when the terrorists arrived. “We immediately ran for cover in a nearby tent, along with six or seven other tourists. We all lay flat on the ground, hoping for protection, as we initially thought the gunfire was the result of a clash between the terrorists and security forces," Asawari explained. The terrorists first approached a nearby tent and opened fire. Then they went to the tent where the Jagdale’s were hiding and demanded her 54-year-old father Santosh Jagdale to step outside and recite an Islamic verse. When he was unable to do so, they shot him thrice — once in the head, again behind the ear, and finally on his back, said Asawari. Uncle was shot multiple times in the back: Pahalgam terror attack survivor recounts "They said, 'Chaudhari tu bahar aa ja’," Asavari recalled. The terrorists then accused them of supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, followed by statements defending Kashmiri militants, and claimed that they did not target innocent people, including women and children. “They then ordered my father to recite an Islamic verse [most likely the Kalma]. When he couldn’t, they shot him thrice,” she said. After her father collapsed, the gunmen turned their attention to her uncle, who was lying next to her, and shot him multiple times in the back. "My uncle was lying next to me. The terrorists shot him four to five times in the back. They also shot several other men at the site. There was no one to help us. The police or army arrived only 20 minutes later. Even the locals nearby were reciting Islamic verses." She, her mother, and another woman relative were spared. Locals who had guided the family to the spot on ponies helped them escape, with three women—including Asawari and her mother—making their way back. They were then medically examined for injuries and taken to Pahalgam Club. However, they remain unaware of the fate of their two male family members who have received gunshot injuries. Fadnavis condemns attack, says it's 'a cowardly act of terror' “The shooting occurred around 3.30 pm. Five hours have passed, and we still haven’t received any updates on my father and uncle’s conditions,” Asawari said. Reacting to the incident, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly act of terror." He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “My heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives. My deepest condolences to the families. We stand strongly with the bereaved. Praying for a speedy recovery of the injured.” He also informed added that he is in direct touch with senior officials of the Jammu-Kashmir administration and has spoken with Divisional Commissioner Vijaykumar Bidari for detailed updates. “The condition of two injured persons from Maharashtra — Manik Patel from Panvel and S Bhalchandra Rao — is currently stable,” he said. Murlidhar Mohol, the Union Minister of State Cooperation and Civil Aviation said, "In the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, two residents of Pune — Kaustubh Sudhir Ganbote and Mr Santosh Eknath Jagdale — have been injured. I have had detailed conversations with both families." He further informed that “proper medical treatment is currently being provided to the injured, and all necessary assistance will be extended to them”. “Additionally, I am personally in touch with the administration, and discussions have taken place regarding ensuring appropriate support and medical care," Mohol added. Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) lawmaker Supriya Sule also took to X to express her concern. “Requesting @OmarAbdullah for providing immediate medical aid and support to the people hailing from Pune who have suffered injuries in the Pahalgam firing incident today,” she posted and urged the administration to promptly share updated medical reports with the families concerned. Several families from Pune often travel to scenic destinations such as Kashmir. The incident has sparked concern among Punekars and has led to appeals for heightened security and faster communication for tourists in sensitive regions.    

23 April,2025 03:23 AM IST | Pune | Archana Dahiwal
Security personnel move towards the site of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. Pic/PTI

We'll come down heavily on perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday vowed to come down heavily on the perpetrators of the terror attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam and said he was heading to Srinagar where he would review the security situation with all agencies, reported news agency PTI. Shah said he has briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, about the Pahalgam terror attack and held a meeting with the officials concerned via video conferencing after the incident. "Anguished by the terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the family members of the deceased. Those involved in this dastardly act of terror will not be spared, and we will come down heavily on the perpetrators with the harshest consequences. Briefed PM Shri @narendramodi Ji about the incident and held a meeting with the concerned officials via video conferencing. Will shortly leave for Srinagar to hold an urgent security review meeting with all the agencies," Shah wrote on 'social media platform X. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said security forces have launched operations to neutralise terrorists who carried out the Pahalgam terror attack, and the perpetrators will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act, PTI reported. "Anti-terror ops launched to neutralise terrorists. Entire nation is angry and blood of our forces is boiling. I want to assure the nation that perpetrators of Pahalgam attack will have to pay a very heavy price for their heinous act. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families," Sinha said on X. The incident occurred around 3 pm when terrorists descended from the mountain in Baisaran Valley and started firing at the tourists, reported PTI. A purported video of the attack site emerged showing several people bleeding and lying motionless on the ground while women tourists were wailing and frantically looking for their loved ones. No independent official verification was available. The incident comes when Kashmir is witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals after reeling under militancy for years. Also, the 38-day Amarnath pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 3. Authorities have pressed a chopper into service for the evacuation of the injured, the officials said, adding that some of the injured were brought down from the meadows by local people on their ponies.  (With PTI inputs)  

22 April,2025 08:01 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Nitin Gadkari said the growth rate in agriculture will lead to an increase in the purchasing power of the rural population. File pic

'If agriculture growth rate rises, rural youth won't be forced to migrate'

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday emphasised the need to increase the agriculture growth rate and purchasing power in rural India to prevent migration of rural youth to cities. Addressing an event in New Delhi, Gadkari said, currently, the government's minimum support prices for crops are way higher than commercial market prices. "If the agriculture growth rate increases, then rural youth will not be forced to migrate to metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai for livelihood," he said. According to him, the growth rate in agriculture will lead to an increase in the purchasing power of the rural population. Gadkari also emphasised the need for more intensive use of bamboo resources in the country, saying bamboo can create employment opportunities and contribute to rural development. He pointed out that the use of bamboo in the energy sector will help India in reducing the import of fossil fuels. Gadkari said bamboo has the potential to be used as an alternative to coal and can also be used in construction. He said bamboo can also be used to make bio-CNG and charcoal and IITs can be roped in to conduct further research on this with the help of special grants from Bamboo Mission.  This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

22 April,2025 07:38 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
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