Bengaluru, Apr 23 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those killed in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier in the day, he also spoke to the families of those killed in the terrorist attack, over the phone and expressed his condolences.

Two people from Karnataka are among those who were killed in the terror attack at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

The CM spoke to Pallavi, wife of Manjunath Rao of Shivamogga, and Sujatha, wife of Bharat Bhushan of Mathikere in Bengaluru, and expressed his condolences, his office said in a statement.

Bharath Bhushan was shot dead by the terrorists while his wife Sujatha and their three-year-old son were spared. Manjunath Rao, a realtor, was also killed in the presence of his wife and son.

Bodies of the deceased accompanied by their family members are expected to arrive in the state during the early hours on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, Siddaramaiah said more than 40 Kannadigas who had gone to Kashmir have been stranded due to the terrorist attack, and he instructed the authorities to arrange a special flight to bring all of them safely back to the state.

"More than 40 Kannadigas who had gone on a trip to Kashmir are stranded due to the terrorist attack, and I have instructed the authorities to arrange a special flight to bring all of them safely back to their state. Our government has taken action with the resolve to bring every Kannadiga back to the state safely. No one needs to worry," Siddaramaiah said in a post on 'X'.

Urging all those from the state who are now in Jammu and Kashmir to remain calm, he said the Karnataka government has swiftly deployed teams and sent Minister Santosh Lad to assist on the ground.

"For any help, please call 112 -- our officers are working with J&K authorities to ensure your safety and immediate support. We are with you. Your well-being is our utmost priority," he added.

A team of officials was dispatched to Kashmir on Tuesday evening to rescue people stranded there following the attack.

Earlier, confirming the death of two people from Karnataka in the terror attack, the state government has shared helpline numbers as part of its efforts to bring back the tourists from there.

It has asked tour operators and travel agents in the state to share the details of tourists who have gone to Jammu and Kashmir through them.

Relatives and acquaintances of tourists who have gone to Jammu and Kashmir have also been asked to share their details through helpline numbers: 080-43344334, 080-43344335, 080-43344336, 080-43344342.

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Karachi, May 8 (PTI): The Pakistan Stock Exchange plunged by over 6 per cent on Thursday with trading halted for an hour after rumours of escalation in military action by India near Karachi.

Although the rumours were unfounded, the benchmark KSE100 index tumbled 6,948.73 points, or 6.32 per cent, to 1,03,060.30, before the trading was halted.

Trading resumed with Fatima Bucha of AKD Securities confirming the situation on the floor had calmed down a bit.

“But the situation could get worse as investors are panicking due to the geopolitical situation,” she said. “No one is sure what is going to happen and how and if Pakistan will respond to India's aggression.”

The downward trajectory of the index was largely driven by negative contributions from key stocks such as cement, energy, bank, and technology, which collectively dragged the index down.

Meanwhile the government has taken measures to keep its foreign exchange reserves stabilised.

It has imposed a 60-day ban on importing and exporting precious metals, jewellery, and gemstones from Thursday.

The temporary ban was imposed by a Commerce Ministry Order suspending SRO760 of 2013, which governs the trade of precious metals.

The restriction is linked to the recent impasse with India as a potential strategy to limit the flow of metals.

The State Bank of Pakistan has also informally advised all currency dealers in both inter-bank and open markets to closely monitor dollar outflows, as the escalating conflict could rapidly increase demand for the greenback.

Zaffar Paracha, general secretary of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan said if the currency market faced any shortage it could be managed but if there was a prolonged conflict it could damage both countries.

“For now we have not seen any panic buying of dollars, nor had demand escalated,” Paracha said.

According to a currency dealer, over 90 per cent of remittances to Pakistan come through Indian exchange companies, particularly from the West Asia — a channel that may face disruptions if the conflict between the two countries prolongs. “…In the case of a full-fledged war, these companies could be used by India as a tool to pressure Pakistan.”

Currency dealers, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Indian exchange companies are the main handlers of remittances to Pakistan.