A devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday has left families in mourning across India. Among the victims were newlyweds, government officers, and tourists from different states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Gujarat, and Odisha.
Newly Married Man from Kanpur Killed
Shubham Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, had recently married on February 12, 2025. He had gone to Kashmir for a short holiday with his wife. Sadly, this trip turned into a nightmare when he was shot dead during the attack.
His cousin, Saurabh Dwivedi, spoke to ANI and shared painful details. He said, “Shubham Bhaiya got married on February 12 this year. He was in Pahalgam with his wife. My sister-in-law called my uncle and told him that Shubham was shot in the head. It is also being said that the firing started after asking for the names of the individuals… We have received information that the body will be released after 2-3 days after completing all the procedures…”
#WATCH | J&K | A tourist in shock and grief as terrorists target tourists in J&K's Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/9nMyntE5h8
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
Maharashtra Resident Dilip Desale Also Among Victims
The attack also killed Dilip Desale, who lived in Panvel, Maharashtra. Condemning the brutal act, BJP MLA Prashant Thakur said, “The tragic and horrific attack in Jammu and Kashmir should be strongly condemned… Dilip Desale, a resident of New Panvel, has died in the firing…”
PM and Finance Minister Cut Foreign Trips Short
In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ended their foreign visits early. PM Modi was in Saudi Arabia, and Sitharaman was on an official visit to the US and Peru. They decided to return immediately after learning about one of the worst attacks since Article 370 was revoked in 2019.
Indian Navy Officer Vinay Narwal Killed
Another victim was 26-year-old Lieutenant Vinay Narwal from Karnal, Haryana. He had recently married and was posted in Kochi with the Indian Navy. After his wedding on April 16 and a reception on April 19, he took a brief vacation to Kashmir. During the trip, terrorists killed him in the Pahalgam attack. Defence officials confirmed his death. Locals described him as a promising officer. His sudden loss has deeply affected his family and community.
Odisha Officer Prashant Satpathy Dies; Family Still Missing
Prashant Satpathy, an Accounts Officer from Odisha, also lost his life. He was on a vacation with his wife and young son. After the attack, there has been no news of his wife and child.
Speaking to reporters, his elder brother Susanta Satpathy said, “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…”
Gujarat Man Killed, Family Survives
In another heartbreaking case, Shailesh Bhai Himmat Bhai Kadatiya from Surat, Gujarat, died in the attack. He was travelling with his wife and two children. Fortunately, they survived and are safe.
Deputy Tehsildar of Surat’s District Emergency Operation Centre, Sazid Merujay, confirmed the tragic news.
Locals Hold Candlelight Marches to Protest Attack
Following the attack, residents across Jammu and Kashmir expressed their grief and anger. In Pahalgam, taxi drivers organized a candlelight march. Similar marches took place in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, Akhnoor, and Kupwara. Bajrang Dal workers in Jammu also held a protest.
Gulzar Ahmad Wani, president of the Pahalgam Taxi Association, said, “I condemn this attack. It is not just tourists, but our livelihood, our families. We don’t consider them tourists. It is as if our family members have been killed. I request the government to get to the bottom of this matter… Pahalgam has always been peaceful, and it runs on tourism…”
Five Tourists from Maharashtra Among the Dead
According to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s office, five victims were from Maharashtra. He contacted Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and requested a special flight to evacuate stranded tourists.
In response, the Union Minister assured that the ministry would start arrangements once it receives the list of those stranded.
PM Modi, Home Minister Shah Respond
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and posted on X, saying, “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.”
He added, “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.” Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Srinagar. He also declared that the people behind the attack will not be spared.
Security Forces Launch Search Operation
Following the incident, the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a joint search operation in Baisran, Pahalgam, to locate the terrorists responsible. Additionally, Delhi Police increased security and began monitoring tourist locations and other important sites to prevent any further incidents.
Tourists injured in the Pahalgam terrorist attack have been moved to the local hospital.
#WATCH | J&K | Tourists injured in the Pahalgam terrorist attack have been moved to the local hospital here
Visuals from outside the hospital in Pahalgam pic.twitter.com/aHlyg0Xyfy
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
