Horror at Pahalgam: Survivors Recall Terror Attack and Religious Targeting

Eyewitness accounts of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people—mostly tourists—continued to emerge on Thursday, two days after the incident.

Arathi from Kerala (L), who lost her father Ramachandran to the attack, Shital Kalathiya (R) explained how the attack unfolded when they had just reached the meadow top and sat down for a meal.(ANI/X)

Survivors Speak: Religion-Based Targeting Exposed

Shital Kalathiya, the wife of Shailesh Kalathiya, one of the 26 victims, shared how the horrific attack unfolded. She described how the group had just reached the top of the meadow and was settling down for a meal when the terrorists struck.

"We had just reached Mini Switzerland when gunfire erupted. It happened twice, and after the second round, everyone began running. The attackers then surrounded us and ordered the Hindu men to separate from the Muslim men," Shital recounted in a conversation with ANI. "We all remained silent, hoping they would leave. But in just a second, everything changed. I watched them kill everyone. There was nothing I could do."

Shital also raised serious concerns about the lack of security in the area. "We had only seen such scenes in movies. Witnessing it firsthand shattered us. What was even more shocking was the absence of any security personnel. If authorities knew the risks, they should never have allowed tourists to visit that place," she said.

Local Heroes: Shawl Hawkers Step In

Sajad Ahmad Bhat, a local shawl hawker, recalled how he and other hawkers received news of the attack from the Pahalgam Pony Association head. Without hesitation, they rushed to help the injured tourists.

Bhat emphasized the importance of humanity over religion, saying, "We gave water to the injured and carried those who couldn’t walk. Humanity comes before religion. These tourists are our guests, and our livelihoods depend on them. We took many to the hospital without thinking about our own safety. When I saw them crying, it brought tears to my eyes. Their presence brightens our homes; life feels incomplete without them." (From Hindustan Times)

Terrorist Demands ‘Kalma’: Another Survivor’s Ordeal

Arathi from Kerala, who tragically lost her father Ramachandran during the attack, described the terror as they tried to flee after hearing gunshots.

She recounted how an armed terrorist intercepted a group near them. "There were 2-3 groups around us. We saw the man asking something and then firing at them. I panicked and warned my father that the attacker was approaching. Calmly, he said, 'Let’s see what happens.' The terrorist came towards us and said 'Kalma'. We didn’t understand, and when we couldn't respond, he shot my father," Arathi recalled. She also expressed gratitude towards the Kashmiri people and the support from both the Central and J&K governments.

Conclusion

The Pahalgam terror attack has left deep scars on survivors and the families of victims. Eyewitnesses not only revealed the brutality of the assault but also highlighted the glaring gaps in security. Yet, amidst the horror, stories of humanity and compassion—from local shawl hawkers to government support—offered a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dark chapter.