The deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has plunged families of the victims into deep grief and uncertainty, with many still desperately seeking information about their loved ones. The attack claimed multiple lives, including tourists and a young Indian Navy officer, sparking national outrage and renewed calls for justice.
Among the deceased was Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old Navy officer from Karnal, Haryana. Having recently married on April 16, Narwal was on a short post-wedding vacation when terrorists struck. He had joined the Navy two years ago and was posted in Kochi. His sudden death has left his family, community, and the defence fraternity in shock.
“He was married just four days ago… everyone was so happy,” said Naresh Bansal, a neighbour. “Now, we’ve received the tragic news that he was killed in a terrorist attack. It’s heartbreaking.”
Another victim, Prashant Satpathy, an Accounts Officer from Odisha, was vacationing in Kashmir with his wife and young son. While Prashant’s death has been confirmed, his family remains unaware of the whereabouts of his wife and child. His brother, Susanta Satpathy, expressed anguish over the lack of clear communication from authorities.
“We were told about my brother’s death, but nothing about his wife or son,” he said. “We are in complete darkness.”
In Gujarat, Shailesh Kadatiya, 44, from Surat, also lost his life. He was traveling with his wife Sheetal and two children, Neeti and Naksh, who miraculously survived and are now under the care of local authorities in Kashmir. Officials confirmed the tragedy after coordination with emergency operation centres in Gandhinagar and Anantnag. A relative is now en route to assist the grieving family.
Tragedy has also struck Maharashtra, where five tourists were confirmed dead in the attack. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has requested a special flight to evacuate stranded tourists, to which Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu assured prompt action.
The incident has triggered a wave of protests and vigils across the nation. Candlelight marches were held in Baramulla, Srinagar, Poonch, and Kupwara, as well as in Jammu, where Bajrang Dal activists led demonstrations. Residents of Khod village in Akhoor also gathered to mourn and condemn the violence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the “heinous act” and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “Their evil agenda will never succeed. Our resolve to fight terrorism is unshakeable,” he said in a post on X.
Following the attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review in Srinagar, directing enhanced surveillance and swift countermeasures. A joint search operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police is currently underway in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police have increased vigilance at key locations in the national capital, including tourist spots, to prevent further threats.
As the nation mourns, families shattered by this senseless act of terror await answers—and justice.
