CHENNAI: Two days after the Pahalgam terror attack that sent shock waves across the country, as many as 68 people from Tamil Nadu who were on vacation in Kashmir landed at the Chennai airport on Thursday.

Following the April 22 terror attack in which 28 tourists were killed, the state government swung into action and so far rescued 145 people from Tamil Nadu. Two of them who suffered injuries are undergoing treatment.

In the first phase, 68 reached Chennai on Thursday on three flights. Fifty people arrived in the wee hours of Thursday, while 18 others arrived at 9 am on the flight from Srinagar via Hyderabad. The state government officers welcomed them at the airport and arranged their travel to Tiruchy, Madurai, Tiruchengode, and Vellore.

Subramani of Madurai said soon after the attack the Indian army rescued the tourists and made sure all of them were safe and the Tamil Nadu government contacted them and promised them safe return.

Natrajan of Tiruchy recalled how locals rushed to their help and gave them first aid, pointing out that the Kashmir people were kind and loving. He said even after climbing down the hill, they visited some places in Srinagar before departing to Chennai.

Jothi from Madurai said they were just two kilometres away from the attack site. “There was tension everywhere and we are thankful for the army and the residents,” she said.

Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and Welfare of Non-Resident Tamils Commissioner Vallalar stated that soon after the incident we, representing the Tamil Nadu government contacted the Tamils who were on a tour to Kashmir, and rescued everyone to their safety. On Thursday, 68 returned to Chennai and were sent to their native places in vehicles arranged by the government.