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Time of India
23-04-2025
- Time of India
Over 50 Goa tourists stranded in Kashmir; Indian Army urges tourists to leave
In a recent update from Kashmir, more than 50 tourists from Goa are stranded in Pahalgam following the deadly terrorist attack in the region on April 22, 2025. The group of terrorists targeted the popular Baisaran meadows and openfired killing at least 28 tourists, including 26 tourists and two locals. The killers, believed to be militants, opened fire on a crowd of tourists who were enjoying themselves in the region, causing widespread panic and chaos. Following the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in at least 28 fatalities, the Indian Army has advised all tourists to leave the Kashmir Valley immediately due to heightened security concerns. Following the attack, all visitors from Goa were quickly evacuated from Pahalgam and shifted to hotels in Srinagar. The number of tourists was confirmed by a Goa government official. He said the tourists from Goa are currently safe in Srinagar, and further efforts are underway to send them back home. Tour operators from Goa are coordinating with local authorities and airlines to arrange quick flights and transportation for these tourists. According to Ahraz Mulla, co-founder of Goa Adventure Club, their group of 34 tourists had planned to visit Baisaran after lunch. However, before they could reach, the attack happened. Similarly, another group was in Sonamarg at the time of the shooting. Both groups were quickly relocated to hotels in Srinagar. Daxal Naik, owner of Travel Bug Tours and Travels, mentioned that his group of 26 tourists had arrived in Jammu on April 21 and were scheduled to return on April 26. However, they are currently stranded due to a landslide blocking the route and limited flight availability. The Jammu and Kashmir administration, along with the Indian Army, has advised all tourists to leave the Kashmir Valley because of currency security concerns. The region remains on high alert as authorities continue to investigate the attack and ensure the safety of all visitors. For the latest updates and assistance, tourists are advised to contact their respective tour operators or the nearest Indian embassy. Local authorities and J&K are actively coordinating efforts to facilitate the safe return of stranded visitors.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Time of India
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 in Pahalgam, with efforts underway to bring them back, officials said on Wednesday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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.
