An Intelligence Bureau (IB) officer, Manish Ranjan, was among the 26 civilians tragically killed in a terrorist attack that took place in the scenic Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam on April 22. Ranjan, a native of Bihar, was on a family vacation, enjoying a moment of respite when he was fatally shot in front of his wife and children.
The IB officer had traveled to Kashmir under the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme and was stationed in the ministerial section of the IB’s Hyderabad office. Family members were among the many tourists appreciating the picturesque landscapes of Baisaran Valley, often dubbed “Mini Switzerland,” during the time of the attack. Terrorists opened fire indiscriminately on unarmed civilians, resulting in a tragic loss of innocent lives.
The shocking nature of the attack has triggered widespread outrage across the nation, prompting numerous state leaders to voice their condemnation and express their grief over the tragedy.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy condemned the violence, characterizing it as a “cowardly strike” that would not dampen the resolve of the Indian populace. He extended his condolences to the families of the victims and urged the Union government to take decisive action against the attackers.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu also expressed his deep sorrow regarding the incident, stating, “I condemn this senseless act of violence in the strongest terms. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan of Andhra Pradesh echoed similar sentiments, expressing sadness over the tragic attack. “I am deeply saddened by the terrorist attack that occurred at Baisaran, Pahalgam. Such violence against innocent lives is utterly condemnable,” he remarked.
The brutal nature of the attack has ignited serious concerns about security in the region, particularly in areas popular among tourists. Authorities have initiated investigations, and a high-level security review is underway aimed at preventing any further incidents.
The nation is in mourning, reflecting on the loss of dedicated citizens like Manish Ranjan, whose untimely death has profoundly impacted many hearts across the country.
