Surat (Gujarat) [India]: The recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left families across India grieving the loss of their loved ones. Among the victims were Indian Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Haryana, Accounts Officer Prashant Satpathy from Odisha, and Shailesh Kadatiya from Surat, Gujarat.
Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old officer posted in Kochi, was on a honeymoon in Kashmir following his wedding on April 16 and reception on April 19. His death has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Karnal.
“He was married 4 days ago. Everybody was happy. We have received the information that he was killed by terrorists, and he died on the spot. He was an officer in the Navy,” said Naresh Bansal, a neighbour of the family.
Prashant Satpathy, an Accounts Officer from Odisha, was also killed in the attack. His family is desperately seeking information about his wife and young son, who were traveling with him but remain unaccounted for.
“We received the information around 3 PM… When we called the toll-free number, they just informed us about the death of my younger brother. I have no information about my younger brother’s wife or my nephew, where they are. Additional DSP has contacted me… He (Prashant Satpathy) worked as Accounts Officer…” said Susanta Satpathy, the deceased’s elder brother.
In Gujarat, Shailesh Bhai Himmat Bhai Kadatiya, 44, was killed while on vacation with his wife and two children. His wife Sheetal, daughter Neeti, and son Naksh survived the attack and are currently safe.
“Shailesh Bhai Himmat Bhai Kadathiya (44 years) has passed away in the terrorist attack that took place today in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. We received his information from his cousin, Mayur Bhai Dufaniya, Mota Waracha, Surat. After which, we contacted the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar and the police control room in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir, and it was confirmed that he had passed away. Along with him, there was his family. His wife Sheetal, daughter Neeti and son Naksh are safe. They are currently at the District Administration Office of Kashmir… His one of the cousins is going there to help the family. We are also providing assistance to them… The cousin of the deceased had shared his residence information, Aadhar identity, and our team went to that address after which neighbours told that he used to live there but after transfer, he was shifted to Mumbai…” said Deputy Tehsildar Sazid Merujay from the District Emergency Operation Centre, Surat.
In light of the tragedy, local residents in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, and Kupwara held candlelight marches, while Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu staged a protest condemning the Pahalgam terror attack. In the Khod village of Akhoor, locals also lit candles in a show of solidarity.
Previously, it was reported that five tourists from Maharashtra also lost their lives in the same attack. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has requested a special evacuation flight from Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu to bring back stranded tourists. The Minister has confirmed that arrangements will be made upon receiving the passenger list.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack, offering condolences and vowing justice.
“I strongly condemn the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that the injured person recovers as soon as possible. All possible assistance is being provided to those affected,” PM Modi wrote on X.
“Those behind this heinous act will be brought to justice…they will not be spared! Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable, and it will get even stronger.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar on Tuesday evening. He also reaffirmed that the perpetrators “will not be spared.”
The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched a joint search operation in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam to track down the attackers. Delhi Police has also been instructed to remain on high alert at key locations.