'Initially Thought It Was Firecracker': Pahalgam Victim's Wife Narrates Traumatic Ordeal
Karnataka-based businessman Manjunath Rao, who was shot dead in Pahalgam in front of his wife and son, was cremated with full state honours on Friday.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: Karnataka-based businessman Manjunath Rao, who came to Kashmir for a vacation with his wife and son, was among the 26 victims of a devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam that has shaken India and prompted the Army to intensify anti-terror operations across the valley.
Rao’s wife Pallavi had earlier shared chilling moments when a terrorist belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked (LeT) the Resistance Front (TRF) gunned down her husband in front of her and their son Abhijay. The wife and son had demanded that the terrorist kill them as well, but he refused and instead coldly said, “Tell this to Modi."
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Speaking to CNN-News18, Pallavi recalled her traumatic ordeal on how the terrorists targeted men, asked them about their religion and shot them dead. “I just want to say that this type of trauma should not happen to any person, even their enemies. I have seen a lot of bloodshed. I cannot share my trauma. We were enjoying the scenic beauty, then suddenly we heard gunshots," she said.
Pallavi said her family initially thought they were firecrackers and that there was some Army training going on after they heard gunshots and ignored the noises. They also assumed that there would be enough security as CRPF personnel patrolled the route leading to Pahalgam from Srinagar.
“"My husband and I went to purchase some snacks, and our son was sitting 100 metres from us. My husband said go and take him while I order the food. I heard firing sounds, and everyone was running. We ran towards my husband, who was shot and lying in a pool of blood," she said.
“Not even a policeman was present in the valleys. If there had been security there, this would not have happened. No security was there at the location," she further told News18. Recalling the incident as a “bad dream", Pallavi further said people who survived the attack were going around asking for help.
“No help arrived for at least 40 minutes to one hour. Our mobiles were dead. We asked for help from the locals, who called the Army for help," she said, adding that she and her son were traumatised and did not know what to do till they were taken away by security forces.
“Manjunath was very friendly… I have lost everything," she added. Manjunath Rao was a real estate businessman and a resident of Shivamogga, and his death sparked condemnation from Karnataka government leaders.
Manjunath’s body, as well as that of another Bengaluru victim Bharath Bhushan, reached the city on early Thursday morning at around 3:45 am. Pradeep, Manjunath Rao’s brother-in-law, and Vinutha, a relative of Bhushan’s wife Sujatha, were at the airport to receive the mortal remains, as per reports.
His final rites were conducted with police honours in the presence of family members, elected representatives, and senior officers of the Shivamogga district administration, according to The Hindu. Hundreds of people paid their respects to the deceased and took part in the procession.
Union Minister Prahlad Joshi was also present to offer his condolences. The Karnataka government has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each of the three tourists from the state who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.
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