Of 657 Pune residents in Kashmir during the attack, 546 back home safely
All Pune residents who were in Jammu and Kashmir during the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, and wanted to return, have safely arrived in the city, according to the Disaster Management Cell Friday.
As per documents obtained from the Disaster Management Cell, 657 Pune residents were in Kashmir during the time of the attack, out of which 546 wanted to come back. The process began on April 24, when 238 people arrived by flight, and on April 25, 83 returned by flight and 22 by train, bringing their number to 343.
On April 26, 438 people came back, of which 44 returned by flight, and 51 travelled by train. On April 27, 40 people returned by road, 11 by flight, and 39 by train, bringing the total to 528. On April 28, one person returned by flight, on April 29, eight returned by flight, and nine others arrived by train, bringing the total to 546.
Also Read | They went for vacation, returned in coffins: Full list of victims of the Pahalgam terror attack
Vitthal Banote, District Disaster Management Officer, said the department issued a press note with helpline numbers and contact details for residents of Pune who were stranded in Kashmir. 'Through the helpline, we gathered information from residents about their return plans and how we could assist them. While some wanted to extend their stay, most wanted to return. We created a list to differentiate those with pre-arranged returns and those requiring assistance. Those needing special flights were listed separately, and the central government coordinated with them to ensure their safe return,' Banote said.
Those who came back praised the government's efforts to bring them back. Chhaya Patil, 55, said, 'The government-sponsored special flight process was easy to understand, and it provided a sense of safety in such a situation. Our return to Pune was extremely safe.'
Vishal Vyas, 54, said, 'The government officials were well-coordinated and ensured we understood our options. I felt a wave of relief when we reached the airport, knowing my family and I were heading home safely.'
The effective safety measures were also highlighted by Deepali Gaikwad. 'Our safety in Kashmir was maintained by the local authorities, the Army, government officials, etc. Our journey from Kashmir to Jammu and then to Delhi was trouble-free. We faced no issues and returned home safely.'
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