Bhubaneswar: A tourist from Odisha’s Balasore district was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed at least 27 lives, on Tuesday.
He has been identified as Prasant Kumar Satpathy (41), a native of Ishani village under Remuna block in Balasore district. An accountant with CIPET, he had travelled to Jammu and Kashmir with his wife, Priyadarshini Satpathy, and nine-year-old son on April 19 for a vacation.
Recounting the terrifying moment, Priyadarshini told a news channel that Prasant was hit by a bullet on his head after finishing a zipline ride in Baisaran valley, an off-the-road meadow in Pahalgam, and collapsed on the spot.
A relative later confirmed having received a call from Prasant’s wife, informing that his body has been taken by the Army for postmortem.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has directed the principal resident commissioner of Odisha at New Delhi, to take necessary steps to ensure smooth transportation of the mortal remains of Prashant to his residence.
The CM also strongly condemned the cowardly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, and expressed grief over the deaths. “Violence has no place in our society. Heartfelt condolences to those who lost their lives. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. Odisha stands in solidarity with the victims and their families during this difficult time,” he had earlier posted on X.
Locals said more than 500 tourists were at the spot when the attack took place.
The injured, including Shashi Kumari (65) from Odisha, are undergoing treatment at different hospitals.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached Srinagar to review the security situation. Anti-terror operation has also been launched to neutralise terrorists.
OTHER REACTIONS
Odisha Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik
“Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on innocent tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Terrorism should not have any place in a civilized world and this dastardly act is unacceptable. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their dear ones and prayers for early recovery of those who are injured.”
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge
“I strongly condemn the cowardly terror attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The entire nation is united in fighting the scourge of cross-border terrorism. These dastardly targeted attacks are a blot on humanity. News reports indicate that precious lives have been lost.”
J&K People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone
“There can be no bigger enemy of the Kashmiris than the terrorists… Their war is against the hospitality of the Kashmiris… They want tourists to leave Kashmir and that Kashmiris have no source of livelihood. They are enemies of our kids and the coming generations. They are terrorists. Targeting unarmed tourists is the biggest sin. They will neither be forgiven here, nor in the eyes of god…”
PDP leader Iltija Mufti
“I am short of words for what has happened. My head hangs in shame today; such acts have no place in society. Terrorist attack in a tourist hub like Baisaran, where security forces are constantly deployed, is extremely shocking. This is not just an attack on tourists, it is also an attack on our culture… I condemn this attack and offer my deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones today…”
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis
“We condemn this attack… This attack was an attempt at stopping J&K’s journey towards development… Our Prime Minister has taken cognisance. Home Minister Amit Shah is reaching there, and strict action will be taken. I am also in touch with the administration there. Two people from Maharashtra have lost their lives in the terrorist attack…”