Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], April 23 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday made a phone call to the family members of Manjunath, who was killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and offered condolences.

In a telephone call with Manjunath's brother-in-law, Dr Ravikiran, this morning, he said, 'The government is with you in this difficult time and we share your sorrow. We will extend all the support needed, be brave.'

The DCM also made phone calls to the Shivamogga district in-charge minister and the district administration, informing them to personally meet the family in Shivamogga and extend all necessary support.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Wednesday said that three Karnataka residents were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister stated that an additional flight has been arranged for Karnataka following a discussion with the Minister of Civil Aviation.

Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, 'A total of three people from Karnataka have died in the Pahalgam terrorist attack that took place yesterday. Yesterday, I also spoke to the Civil Aviation Minister, and he has taken note, and an additional flight has been provided to Karnataka. This is a terrorist attack to damage the tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, and whatever precautions required, the government will take.'

He also mentioned that this attack will damage tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday directed officials to launch a special airlift operation for over 40 Kannadiga tourists stranded in Kashmir following a terrorist attack. The state government assured safe repatriation of every individual caught in the situation and urged families not to panic.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Chief Minister said he has instructed officials to arrange for a special flight to evacuate all affected individuals from the state who had gone to Kashmir on a vacation and were caught in the turmoil.

'More than 40 Kannadigas who had gone on a trip to Kashmir have been stranded due to the terrorist attack, and I have instructed the authorities to arrange a special flight to bring all of them safely back to their homeland,' Siddaramaiah assured.

The post added on X, 'Our government has taken action with the resolve to bring every Kannadiga back to the state safely. No one needs to worry. - Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.'

Karnataka BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and Minister Santosh Lad also met the wife and son of Manjunath, one of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack and assured them of full support during this unimaginably difficult time.

Earlier today, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) team visited the Pahalgam terror attack site on Wednesday to support the Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Police in probing what is considered the deadliest assault on civilians in the region in almost twenty years.

The NIA team - led by a Deputy Inspector General-rank officer - visited Baisaran a day after terrorists gunned down a group of tourists in the picturesque meadow, which is located around five kilometres from Pahalgam town in Kashmir's Anantnag district.

Official sources privy to the development told ANI that 'the NIA team members will be assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the investigation. This has been one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. (ANI)