Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) — Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each for the families of two victims from the state who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The attack on April 22 claimed 26 lives, including JS Chandramouli, a retired bank employee, and Madhusudan, an IT professional from Kavali.
In a solemn gesture, the Chief Minister arrived in Visakhapatnam late Wednesday night to receive Chandramouli’s mortal remains at the airport. Naidu offered floral tributes and personally consoled the bereaved family. He was joined by Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu, State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, and Visakhapatnam MP Sribharat. The CM also walked alongside the funeral vehicle for a stretch in a mark of respect.
Condemning the Attack, Calling for Unity
Speaking to the press, CM Naidu condemned the terror attack in the strongest terms, stating:
“This is not just an attack on individuals but an assault on India’s unity and integrity. It is a desperate move by forces who want to destabilize our nation.”
Naidu shared that eyewitness accounts confirmed Chandramouli had attempted to escape the assailants before being gunned down, describing the incident as premeditated and cowardly.
He pointed out that the timing of the attack—coinciding with US Vice President JD Vance’s visit to India and the Prime Minister’s foreign tour—raised serious questions, suggesting the act may have been deliberately orchestrated to create global disruption.
Reaffirming National Security & Vigilance
Reiterating his commitment to national security, Naidu urged citizens to remain vigilant and act as “citizen intelligence officers” by reporting suspicious behavior. He also stated that Andhra Pradesh’s long coastline would remain under heightened security surveillance, and coordination with Union agencies would be further strengthened.
“India is destined to rise globally by 2047. Such attacks are acts of desperation by those who fear our progress.”
He ended his statement with a call for national unity, encouraging all citizens to stand firmly behind the Union Government’s anti-terror efforts.