ZODIACLOG
In the aftermath of the devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, survivors are sharing harrowing accounts of the violence that claimed at least 28 lives. Among the victims was Manjunath, a realtor from Shivamogga, Karnataka, who was shot dead in front of his wife, Pallavi, and their 18-year-old son, Abhijeya.
Pallavi, a bank manager, recounted the chilling moments leading up to her husband’s death. “We were in Pahalgam, and my husband died right in front of me,” she said. “I couldn’t cry or react—I couldn’t even comprehend what had just happened.”
The family had traveled to Kashmir on April 19 for a vacation. On April 22, while at the Baisaran meadow, militants opened fire on tourists. Pallavi described how the attackers targeted men, sparing women and children. “The terrorists were right in front of us. They were not in army uniforms. Almost all the men were targeted,” she said. “There were many newlywed couples, and in most cases, only the husbands were attacked while women and others were spared.”
After Manjunath was shot, Pallavi confronted one of the terrorists, pleading to be killed as well. Her son also confronted the attacker, demanding they be killed alongside his father. However, the terrorist reportedly told them, “I won’t kill you. Go and tell Modi,” instructing them to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the attack.
The attack, claimed by The Resistance Front, an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, targeted tourists in what is considered one of the deadliest assaults in the region in recent years. The militants, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, opened fire on tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow, also known as “mini Switzerland,” located about 7 kilometers from Pahalgam town.
In response to the attack, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated, “We will not only trace those who perpetrated this incident. We will also reach out to those who, sitting behind the scenes, have conspired to carry out the nefarious act.” He emphasized India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and assured that those responsible would face a strong response.
Pallavi has requested that her husband’s body be airlifted so that the family can return home together. “I want to return to my hometown, Shivamogga, but not alone. I will return only with my husband’s body. All three of us must come back together,” she said.
The government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 2 lakh for those seriously injured. The National Investigation Agency has launched a probe into the attack, and security forces are conducting operations to apprehend the perpetrators.
This tragic incident has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stringent action against terrorism.
