The Pahalgam terrorist attack has once again brought the spotlight on the fragile security situation in Kashmir, leaving the nation in shock. Pallavi, a bank manager from Karnataka, witnessed her husband Manjunath’s death in front of her, providing one of the most harrowing accounts. In a chilling turn of events, the terrorist spared her and her son, instructing them to deliver a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A Family Vacation Turns Tragic
Pallavi, her husband Manjunath, and their 18-year-old son Abhijeya were on a vacation in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The family, hailing from Shivamogga in Karnataka, had arrived on April 19 and were scheduled to return on April 24. Unexpected gunfire turned what was supposed to be a peaceful retreat into a nightmare.
According to Pallavi, her husband had gone to buy bread for their hungry son when the Pahalgam terrorist attack occurred. “At first, we thought it was the army firing warning shots. But within moments, we realised it was a terrorist ambush. I saw my husband collapse in front of me, shot in the head,” she recalled during a phone interview with a Kannada news channel.
Targeted Killings: A Disturbing Pattern
During the attack, Pallavi noticed a concerning trend: the attackers primarily targeted men, particularly Hindu tourists. “The attackers weren’t in army uniforms. There were three to four of them, and they mainly attacked the men, sparing women and children. Several newlywed couples were among them, and in most cases, only the husbands suffered harm,” she stated.
The Pahalgam terrorist attack was not just an act of violence — it was a calculated message. When Pallavi and her son begged the terrorist to kill them too, he coldly responded, “Nahin marenge. Tum Modi ko jaake bolo” (I won’t kill you. Go and tell Modi))
Survivor’s Appeal for Justice and Dignity
Still reeling from the trauma, Pallavi is now focused on bringing her husband’s body back home. “We came here together, and we must return together. I request the authorities to airlift my husband’s body so that all three of us go back to Shivamogga,” she pleaded.
The local driver who accompanied them also revealed that Hindus were being specifically targeted. Despite the fear and chaos, three local individuals repeatedly uttering “Bismillah” helped Pallavi and her son find safety — a small yet powerful reminder of humanity amidst horror.
National Indignation and Questions of Security
The Pahalgam terror attack has evoked a national outcry. Leaders and citizens alike are demanding speedy action to guarantee tourist safety in the valley. The Ministry of Home Affairs remains silent so far, but initial investigations have begun.
This accident is a painful reminder of the dangers facing tourists in unstable areas. Families who come seeking peace and beauty find themselves at the mercy of geopolitical tensions and insurgent attacks.
Community in Mourning
In Shivamogga, meanwhile, Manjunath’s family is still in shock. They have only informed his elderly mother about his injuries, not his death. Manjunath was a well-respected realtor who was familiar to everyone in his neighbourhood, and his unexpected death has left a gap.
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Conclusion: A Plea for Peace and Accountability
The Pahalgam terrorist attack is not merely a news story — it’s a broken world for a family, a widow’s cry, and a wake-up call. While authorities pursue the investigation and secure justice, there is an urgent need to review security strategies in areas such as Kashmir that are susceptible to such violent incidents.
The message conveyed to PM Modi via a frightened mother and son is not only symbolic — it calls for immediate attention, accountability, and most importantly, the guarantee of safety for all Indian citizens. Source ndtv.in
