Santosh Lad Deputed to Kashmir by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Coordinate Relief Efforts

BM TEAM

In response to the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district that claimed at least 26 lives, mostly tourists, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has deputed Labour Minister Santosh Lad to the region. The move comes after reports confirmed that tourists from Karnataka were among the victims of the deadliest strike in the Valley since Pulwama in 2019.

Minister Lad will travel to Pahalgam on Wednesday, April 23, to personally assist affected families, coordinate relief efforts, and ensure the safety of tourists, labourers and workers from Karnataka currently in the area.

Shortly after the incident, the Chief Minister convened an emergency meeting with senior officials to assess the ground situation. A high-level team led by IPS officer Chetan R. has already reached Kashmir. The team, which includes police personnel, is tasked with on-ground logistics, victim support, and coordination with local authorities.
The Karnataka Resident Commissioner in Delhi has also been instructed to work closely with Union and J&K officials to facilitate the next steps, including arranging the safe return of residents and extending immediate assistance to grieving families.
Speaking to reporters before his departure, Minister Lad said, “Our government is committed to supporting every family affected by this tragedy. We are going there not just to take stock but to stand with our people in their time of grief.”

This is not the first time Minister Lad has been deputed during crises. In June 2023, he visited Odisha after a train tragedy affected Kannadigas and earlier helped coordinate relief efforts during floods in Wayanad, Kerala.

His visit now underscores the State’s continuing commitment to its people, no matter where they are.