Among the 26 people killed in the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, a 27-year-old Nepalese citizen, Sudip Neupane, was identified as the only foreign national to lose his life. The gunmen opened fire at a resort in the popular tourist destination on Tuesday, leaving dozens injured and sparking nationwide outrage.
The Victim: Sudip Neupane
Sudip Neupane hailed from the Butwal area in Nepal’s Rupandehi district. He had traveled to Pahalgam with his mother, sister, and brother-in-law for a holiday when the shooting occurred. Tragically, his mother sustained injuries in the attack, confirmed Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba.
According to reports, Sudip was confronted by the terrorists who questioned him about his religion before shooting him after he “identified himself as Hindu,” his grandfather told ANI.
A public health student with aspirations of becoming a social worker, Sudip had recently completed his bachelor’s degree in public health from Dharan. He had been residing in Butwal with his mother and sister and was actively working with a local clinic on an oral health awareness campaign.
Neighbors described him as kind-hearted and well-liked in his community. His sudden death has left his locality in deep sorrow.
Grief and Reactions from His Family
Sudip’s uncle, Dadhiraj Neupane, based in Kathmandu, expressed the family’s overwhelming grief. “She is devastated by the loss of her son. She was planning to get him married after his studies,” he told Hindustan Times, referring to Sudip’s mother.
The family plans to perform his final rites at a cremation site in Butwal on Thursday.
Nepal Government’s Condolence Message
Nepal’s Foreign Minister, in an official statement, said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Nepali citizen Sudip Neupane of Butwal-11, Kalikanagar, Rupandehi, in the terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Kashmir yesterday. I pay my heartfelt tributes to him and express my deepest condolences to his family.”
She added, “I also wish a speedy recovery to his mother, who was injured in the terrorist attack. We have also received news that they have arrived for a visit. Condemning such a cruel and inhuman act is not enough. The Government of Nepal condemns this incident and stands with the Government of India and the people of India in this hour of grief. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in touch for further information about the incident.”
Senior Nepalese leaders, including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, also extended their condolences. Prime Minister Oli spoke to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey Nepal’s sorrow and solidarity.
India’s Strong Response to Pakistan
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has taken a firm stance. On Wednesday, India announced five retaliatory measures against Pakistan. These include the immediate suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and a reduction in diplomatic ties.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met to finalize the course of action. The decision underscores India’s growing impatience with continued cross-border terrorism and reflects its resolve to respond with strategic and diplomatic measures.
