Ashanya, the wife of Shubham Dwivedi, a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack, has emotionally appealed for the status of her husband as a “martyr.” She explained how her husband gave his life to save others by presenting himself as a Hindu when terrorists asked about their religion. Ashanya said, “He proudly sacrificed his life by declaring himself as a Hindu and saved the lives of many people.”
Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman from Kanpur, had recently married Ashanya on February 12. Unfortunately, he was one of the 26 victims, the majority being tourists, who were murdered in the April 22 terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow, near Pahalgam. The attack left Ashanya heartbroken and demanding justice. She spoke of her sorrow, “I do not want anything else from the government except that Shubham should be given the status of a ‘martyr’. If the government accepts my wish, I will have a reason to live.”
Eyewitness Account of the Attack
Ashanya narrated the frightening moments when the terrorists came near her and Shubham. “One of them immediately asked us whether we were Hindus or Muslims? I thought those people (terrorists) were joking,” Ashanya added. When they claimed to be Hindus, one of the terrorists started firing, killing Shubham. Ashanya begged for her own life but was spared. The terrorists informed her that they were leaving her alive so that she could inform the authorities about what had happened.
Father’s Criticism and Grief
Sanjay Dwivedi, Shubham’s father, criticized the inadequate security at the crime scene. He bemoaned the lack of security guards, and that the Army only occupied the site after one hour. His concern shows the resentment over the delay in accessing aid during the time of attack.
