Pallavi, a tourist from Karnataka, shared her painful story after losing her husband, Manjunath, in the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. She was traveling with her husband and 18-year-old son, Abhijeya, when terrorists opened fire on tourists on Tuesday.
Speaking to a Kannada news outlet, Pallavi said the attack happened suddenly. “My husband died in front of me. I couldn’t cry or even understand what was happening,” she said. The family had gone to Kashmir for a vacation on April 19 and were planning to return on April 24.
Manjunath had gone to get some food for their son when the firing started. Pallavi said they first thought it was army gunfire, but soon realized it was a terrorist attack. Manjunath was shot in the head and died instantly.
After witnessing her husband’s death, Pallavi and her son bravely confronted one of the terrorists. They begged to be killed too. But the terrorist reportedly told them, “I won’t kill you. Go and tell Modi,” referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Pallavi recalled that most of the men were targeted during the attack. She said there were newlywed couples among the tourists, and many women were spared while their husbands were killed. “It looked like Hindus were being targeted,” she said.
Pallavi also thanked a few people who helped her during the chaos, including her driver and some strangers who kept saying “Bismillah” as they guided them to safety.
Now, she wants to return to her hometown, Shivamogga, only with her husband’s body. “All three of us must return together. I request the authorities to arrange for his body to be airlifted,” she said.
Manjunath was a realtor and Pallavi works as a bank manager. His family in Shivamogga is in deep shock. His mother has not yet been told that he died — she has only been told he is injured.
Helpline Numbers for Assistance:
Emergency Control Room – Srinagar:
0194-2457543, 0194-2483651
ADC Srinagar, Adil Fareed: 7006058623
Tourist Help Desk – Anantnag PCR: 9596777669 | 01932-225870
WhatsApp: 9419051940
J&K Tourist Department Helplines:
8899931010
8899941010
Nissar (Asst Director Tourism): 99066 63868
Mudassir (Tourist Officer): 99069 06115
Authorities are working to support the victims and their families during this tragic time.
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