Bhubaneswar: An Odia tourist from Balasore district was among the 20 people killed in a terror attack that shook Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased has been identified as Prasant Satpathy, a resident of Remuna area in Balasore. The tragic incident occurred during peak tourist season in the Kashmir Valley, sending shockwaves across the country.
According to sources, 2–3 terrorists dressed in army fatigues opened fire on a group of horse-riding tourists in the Baisran area, a picturesque meadow located 3-4 km from the main Pahalgam market, accessible only by horseback. The attack, which took place around 2:30 pm, claimed the lives of both tourists and local residents. Fears are growing that the death toll may rise further as several injured individuals remain in critical condition.
Anantnag police confirmed Satpathy’s death during a telephonic conversation with his relatives in Balasore. However, the whereabouts of his wife and 11-year-old son, who had accompanied him on the trip, remain unknown, causing further distress among the grieving family.
The body of Prasant Satpathy is currently in the custody of Jammu police. Authorities have set up a 24/7 help desk and issued emergency contact numbers for tourists seeking assistance or information. The Anantnag Police Control Room can be reached at 9596777669, 01932225870, and via WhatsApp at 9419051940.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “cowardly attack on innocent tourists.” In a post on social media platform X, he stated:
“Strongly condemn the cowardly attack on tourists in #Pahalgam, South Kashmir. 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.”
The attack comes at a time when Kashmir’s tourism sector was witnessing a revival, with hotels in Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg reporting full occupancy. This marks the first major terror strike on tourists in the Valley in 2025, raising concerns over security in the region.
Security forces have since intensified operations in Anantnag district and surrounding tourist zones, deploying reinforcements and launching a search operation to track down the perpetrators. The central and state governments are monitoring the situation closely, with the focus now on ensuring the safety of tourists and restoring normalcy in the affected region.
