Bengaluru, 23 April(HS): The Government of Karnataka has opened a helpline to locate tourists from the state visiting Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports reaching the state headquarters, two people from the state have been shot dead in Yesterday’s massacre in Pahalgam of Anantnag district.

Information sought from the tour operators: Tourist agencies based in the state have been directed to provide details of the people who are currently on a visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Likewise, family members of the tourists have also been requested to share the information with them on the same.

Minister in Kashmir: Meanwhile Santosh Lad, state Labour Minister has airdashed to the trouble torn state and is helping out the local authorities in identifying the dead bodies of victims from the state. He is learnt to be personally having a glance of the coffins and calling the family members and helping out in identifying the bodies.

Minister visits victim’s house: Madhu Bangarappa, Shivamogga district in charge minister called on the family members of Manjunath Rao, a realtor slain in Pahalgam on Tuesday. He assured the family members of all possible help in shifting the dead body. A few legislators and district officials accompanied the minister.

19 Koppal tourists safe: About 19 people belonging to four families from Koppal district in the state are reported to be safe according to the family members. They are camping at a hotel, about 100 kilometres away from the ghastly incident, according to Dr Ram L Arasiddi, the Koppal district SP.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti