Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India, April 23 : Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the life of a native of Ernakulam, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) Roots to set up a dedicated help desk to assist Keralites currently in the region.
The Chief Minister said, "The news of the demise of a person from Ernakulam is extremely painful. His family will be brought home safely, and all necessary arrangements will be made by the government."
CM has also directed Norka Roots to make arrangements to provide necessary assistance to all Malayalis who have come to Jammu and Kashmir for tourism purposes.
The help desk, launched by NORKA Roots, aims to provide critical assistance, timely services, and updated information to Keralites currently residing in Kashmir.
Additionally, those stranded or concerned about relatives in the area can contact the NORKA Global Contact Centre via the toll-free number 1800 425 3939 or the missed call service at +91 88020 12345.
The Chief Minister also directed Kerala House in New Delhi to ensure that necessary arrangements and facilities are in place for those requiring support during transit or evacuation.
Judges of the Kerala High Court--Justice Anil K Narendran, Justice P G Ajithkumar, and Justice Girish--who are on a personal visit to Jammu and Kashmir, are confirmed to be safe and staying at a hotel in Srinagar. They are expected to return to Kerala on Thursday.
The Chief Minister directed Kerala House to provide necessary facilities and arrangements in Delhi as well.
Following Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam that had left Kashmir Valley in deep mourning and the nation in collective grief, on Wednesday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid his tributes to the victims by laying a wreath at a poignant ceremony outside the Police Control Room in Srinagar.
The tragedy that has shaken not just Kashmir but the entire country took place yesterday, where innocent tourists were killed, making it one of the biggest terror attacks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations to track down the terrorists responsible. Security has been heightened since the attack, with visuals from the area showing the streets deserted in the usually bustling tourist area. Many organisations have also called for a Jammu bandh following the attack.