Kanpur / New Delhi, India – As the Lok Sabha on Monday took up a special discussion on India’s “strong, successful and decisive Operation Sindoor in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam,” a poignant demand emerged from Kanpur. Aishanya Dwivedi, the grieving wife of Pahalgam terror attack victim Shubham Dwivedi, implored for ‘Martyr’ status for all 26 individuals who tragically lost their lives in the horrific incident on April 22nd.
Speaking to PTI, Aishanya expressed her profound disappointment with political leaders, accusing them of undermining the gravity of the attack. She firmly reminded them that “terrorists didn’t ask for anyone’s caste or political party — they attacked Indians.”
“It’s been three months since the attack (Pahalgam terror attack) and only now the matter is finally being addressed in Parliament,” Aishanya stated, highlighting the delay. She spent the entire day hoping for a concrete outcome from the parliamentary discussions, particularly for the “26 martyrs, their families, and the widows left behind.”
Describing the debate over ‘Operation Sindoor’ as the first official acknowledgment of the tragedy, she lamented, “A tragedy of such magnitude, and it’s through ‘Operation Sindoor’ that it’s being acknowledged. We’re still fighting for recognition (martyr status).”
At just 27 or 28 years old, Aishanya questioned societal expectations for victims’ families to “move on.” She asserted her conviction: “I am a daughter of this nation, and he was a son of this soil. If this country truly stands by its citizens, this is the time to show it.” She passionately stressed the need for national unity, urging “all of us,” regardless of background, to “speak in one voice, as one nation,” emphasizing that this is “not a political issue.”
Aishanya reacted sharply to comments attributed to senior Congress leader and former Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who allegedly questioned the government’s claim that the attackers were from Pakistan. “I fail to understand why some people — XYZ or anyone — are making such insensitive statements. Do they forget that they are Indians first?” she questioned. “This terrorist attack wasn’t carried out after asking someone’s political affiliation… It was an attack on Indians, on our own people, on Hindus living peacefully in this country.”
She further condemned such remarks, stating, “Making unnecessary comments, defending Pakistan, raising baseless questions, I honestly don’t know where these people come from or what they’re thinking. Do they even hear themselves? Maybe they’re unaffected because this didn’t happen to them. That’s why they can talk so carelessly.”
Beyond her emotional plea, Aishanya also demanded answers regarding the country’s counter-terrorism strategy. “More than anything, I want answers. What are we doing to fight terrorism? What strategies are in place? What action will we take moving forward? These are the questions that matter most to me today.”
For Aishanya, the top priority remains securing ‘Martyr’ status for her slain husband, Shubham Dwivedi, and the 25 other victims of the terror ambush. “Shubham didn’t just die; he gave his life for the country. What more does it take to be called a martyr?” she asked.
She highlighted the lack of support for the victims’ families, especially the wives, stating they have received “no official assurance, no meaningful relief and no recognition.” “What about the families they left behind? What is the government doing for the wives, for the children, for those of us who now have to live with this loss?” she questioned. “Life has changed forever. For 26 women, the word ‘husband’ no longer exists. We’ve lost more than a loved one; we’ve lost our support system, our future. But till now, not one step from the government makes us feel seen.”
While acknowledging the possibility of government deliberation, she expressed impatience: “I’m not saying the government isn’t thinking. Maybe the central or the state government must be thinking and is waiting for the right moment. But even after three months, we haven’t seen a single step that makes us feel that something meaningful has been done for us.”
Aishanya concluded by appealing for national solidarity, rejecting any divisive narratives. “We must stand with the nation and fight against terrorism. Dividing opinions, questioning the Army doesn’t make any sense. It only makes us weaker.”
Earlier in the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor was “paused” after the armed forces achieved the desired politico-military objectives, asserting that there was “no pressure” to end it. Singh claimed the entire operation was concluded in just 22 minutes, and the Pahalgam killings were “avenged.” He further warned that if Pakistan “indulges in a fresh misadventure,” the operation would resume.