A brutal terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s scenic Pahalgam region on Tuesday has shaken the country, claiming the lives of 26 individuals, including tourists and a local intelligence officer. Among those killed were four residents of Maharashtra — Atul Mone, Hemant Joshi, and Sanjay Lele from Thane’s Dombivli, and Dilip Desale from Panvel in Navi Mumbai.
Attackers Dressed as Police Fired Indiscriminately
According to officials, the ambush occurred in the afternoon when terrorists allegedly disguised in police uniforms opened fire on tourists visiting the popular meadow. Witnesses said over 50 rounds were fired. Disturbingly, it is reported that the gunmen asked victims their names and religious identity before shooting. The Resistance Front (TRF), a known terror outfit, has claimed responsibility for the strike.
Families Shattered, Survivors Safe
Atul Mone, a section engineer at the Central Railway workshop in Parel, was holidaying with his wife and daughter. They lived in Thakurwadi, Dombivli West. Dombivli residents Sanjay Lele and Hemant Joshi, from Pandurangwadi and Nandivali respectively, were also vacationing with their families. Though their families survived, the three men tragically lost their lives.
Five Tourists Injured in Attack
The attack also injured five tourists from Maharashtra: S Bhalchandru, Subodh Patil, Shobhit Patel, Santosh Jagdale, and Kaustubh Ganbote. As reported by ABP Majha, all five are in stable condition. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol confirmed that families from Pune were among those caught in the firing. “Two tourists, Santosh Jagdale and Kaustubh Ganbote, were injured. Both are currently undergoing treatment, while their accompanying family members are safe,” he said.
CM Fadnavis Condemns Attack, Govt Offers Support
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, and Divisional Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryavanshi, is closely monitoring the situation. “I strongly condemn this cowardly terrorist attack. My heartfelt tributes to those who lost their lives, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said CM Fadnavis. He added that he is in constant touch with Jammu & Kashmir officials, including Divisional Commissioner Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.
Terror does have a religion…. #PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/Gh6jQHazJb
— Raja Singh (@TigerRajaSingh) April 22, 2025
Newlywed Woman’s Viral Photo Becomes the Face of Tragedy
A heart-wrenching image of a newly married woman holding her motionless husband, while wearing red and white bridal bangles, has become symbolic of the Pahalgam terror attack. The couple, reportedly on their honeymoon, was caught in the deadly firing at the popular tourist destination.
Never forget Never Forgive
#Pahalgam #PahalgamTerroristAttack #pahalgamattack pic.twitter.com/mP8TJX7ldj— AstroCounselKK ?? (@AstroCounselKK) April 23, 2025
‘They Shot My Husband’: Woman’s Cry for Help
In a viral video, the woman pleads, “We were having bhelpuri when they came. They shot my husband. Please save my husband!” Her grief-stricken plea has triggered a nationwide wave of sorrow and outrage. One user wrote, “This is heartbreaking,” while another added, “Her silence is louder than her cries.”
Online Outrage and Protests Against Terrorism
Social media users have turned the couple’s photo into powerful posters, channeling anger toward the attackers. Some even used the image to criticize the upcoming film ‘Abir Gulaal’ starring Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. A Baloch activist tweeted, “Baloch activists speaking very loud and clear that Pakistan is a terrorist state.”
While Bollywood’s romance with Pakistan continues,
A Hindu couple’s story was ended by Pakistani terrorists.#Pahalgam #PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/mNA0DmCp55
— Tushar ॐ♫₹ (@Tushar_KN) April 22, 2025
PoK Speech Sparks Controversy
A separate video surfaced showing a man allegedly inciting people against the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir. The footage, reportedly from Rawalkot in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, was said to be recorded four days before the attack. The man also referenced chants of ‘Ram Ram’ and mentioned PM Modi’s policies.
#Pakistan stop harbouring the global terrorists.
Baloch activists speaking very loud and clear that Pakistan is a terrorist state.#FreeBalochistan#Pahalgam ?.#PahalgamTerroristAttack pic.twitter.com/KjYmaWvrBd
— Fazila Baloch/Baluch?☀️ (@IFazilaBaloch) April 22, 2025
Tourists Share Harrowing Experiences
Another chilling account came from Pallavi, a tourist from Karnataka’s Shivamogga, who lost her husband Manjunath in the attack. Over a call with a Kannada outlet, she said, “We are in Pahalgam, and my husband died right in front of me. I couldn’t cry or react — I couldn’t even comprehend what had just happened. I had come here with my husband Manjunath and our son Abhijeya.”
These personal stories continue to emerge, painting a grim picture of the tragedy and amplifying the national demand for justice and stronger counter-terrorism measures.
