Pahalgam terror attack: Over 50 tourists from Goa stuck in Jammu and Kashmir, say officials

PANAJI: More than 50 people from Goa who were on a vacation to Jammu and Kashmir were stranded at hotels in Srinagar following the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, with efforts underway to bring them back, officials said on Wednesday.
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 terrorists opened fire at tourists who were milling around eateries, taking pony rides or just picnicking at the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, also known as 'Mini Switzerland' for its scenic beauty.
Following the incident, all visitors were transported from Pahalgam and nearby areas to hotels in Srinagar, according to a Goa government official.
More than 50 people from Goa were currently in Jammu and Kashmir, the official said, adding that "all are safe".
Efforts were ongoing to bring them back, the official stated.
Tour operators from Goa were also coordinating plans to bring all tourists back from Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the tour operators mentioned that a few of the tourists were scheduled to visit Baisaran point after eating, the spot where the attack occurred.
"A group of Goans was in Pahalgam market when the incident happened, while another group was in Sonamarg. All were called back to a hotel in Srinagar were they are currently safe," said Ahraz Mulla, co-founder of tour company Goa Adventure Club in Panaji.
Mulla stated that their firm had organized a trip for a group of 34 people to Pahalgam and another group of 12 to Jammu.
"Those in Jammu are stranded due to a landslide. They also cannot fly out from there as flights are running full capacity," he said.
The group that traveled to Pahalgam arrived on April 17 and was scheduled to return on April 24. "Efforts are on to get them back immediately," Mulla said.
Daxal Naik, who operates Travel Bug Tours and Travels in the vicinity of Panaji, confirmed that a group of 26 tourists, who had booked their Jammu and Kashmir trip through his agency, remained stuck in the region.
"All of them have reached hotels in Srinagar. We are trying to bring them back as soon as possible," he said.
Naik mentioned that a group of tourists from Goa was having lunch in the Pahalgam market when the attack occurred.
"The tourists were scheduled to visit Baisaran point after having food where the attack happened," he added.
The tourists departed from Goa on April 21 with a scheduled return on April 26, according to his statement.
Due to limited flight availability from Jammu and Kashmir, tour operators have accommodated the visitors in local hotels, Naik stated. He mentioned that arrangements were being made to secure the earliest possible flight for their return journey.