Grief Across India as Bodies of Pahalgam Attack Victims Return Home
The mortal remains of 26 tourists killed in the Pahalgam terror attack reached their hometowns on Thursday, sparking scenes of anguish as families received their loved ones.
Grief-stricken scenes unfolded across several Indian cities as the bodies of victims from the Pahalgam terror attack were brought home. Chief ministers and top officials visited mourning families to offer condolences. Among the victims were men who were executed in front of their families after being identified as Hindus.
In Indore, the body of Sushil Nathaniel was received by his grieving wife Jenifer and their son Nathaniel. Despite identifying as a Christian, Sushil was shot dead. His daughter Akansha survived the attack with a bullet injury to her leg.
In Karnataka, the remains of Manjunath Rao and Bharath Bushan arrived at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met the bereaved families and assured them of all necessary support. Rao’s last rites will be held in Shivamogga while Bushan will be cremated in Bengaluru.
The attack, which took place in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, Anantnag, was reportedly carried out by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Witnesses claim the assailants confirmed the religious identity of the victims before opening fire, primarily targeting Hindus.
Security agencies have termed the attack one of the deadliest since Pulwama, calling it a “religiously motivated massacre” designed to instill fear among tourists and disrupt communal harmony in the region.
The massacre has drawn strong condemnation from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting following the incident. India has since taken significant diplomatic and strategic steps, including revoking diplomatic privileges of Pakistani military officials in New Delhi.
As mourning continues, the nation watches closely for justice. Security has been heightened in Kashmir, and a nationwide crackdown on extremist sympathizers has been initiated. Families, meanwhile, are left grappling with the loss and trauma of witnessing loved ones gunned down in cold blood.
