Pahalgam Terror Attack: “Go Tell Modi,” Says Terrorist

In yet another alarming incident that shocked the country, a visitor from Karnataka, Manjunath was murdered in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. His wife, Pallavi and their eighteen-year old son witnessed the horrifying ordeal first-hand. Following the experience, they came face-to-face with one of the attackers, leaving everyone at a loss for words.

The Horrific Experience

This family-of-three had arrived in Kashmir on April 19 with plans to return to Shivamogga, Karnataka, on April 24. While waiting in Pahalgam on Sunday afternoon, they found themselves caught in a hail of gunfire that ended Manjunath’s life. He was apparently shot in the head while attempting to buy bread for his son, who had not eaten since breakfast.

“Take My Life Too”: A Mother and Son Plea

In an emotional story, Pallavi explained to Kannada media that after the shooting of her husband, she and her son confronted the terrorist together.

“You take the life of my husband; you take my life too,” she pleaded.

Her son, Abhijeya, was with her and said,

“You dog, you took my father’s life, take our life too.”

Instead of fighting back, the terrorist said a shocking thing:
“Nahi marenge.” “Jao aur Modi se kaho.”
(“I will not take your life.”) “Go say hi to Modi.”

This phrase, repeated by Pallavi in her interview, has triggered massive conversation and outrage across the country. The terrorists were in Pallavi’s recollection focused on Hindu men, limiting their killing of women, too.

Eyewitness account: “500 Tourists on site”

Pallavi recalled that the terrorists were not in military outfits, and seemed to intentionally choose their victims. She said that there were many newly married couples, where in most cases only the husbands were killed.

There were 500 visitors in total. As soon as shots rang out, people started to run. I remember just being next to my husband’s body, being unable to even move.

She also mentioned that three other locals, who kept saying “Bismillah,” helped her and her son get away from where the shooting took place.

Family in Mourning, Willing to take Manjunath’s Remains

In Shivamogga, Manjunath’s family is still in shock. His mother does not know Manjunath is dead and has only been told front has been hurt. Manjunath was a realtor while Pallavi is a banker.

Pallavi has asked officials to airlift her husband’s body so they can all return home together. She also explained,

“I will return to Shivamogga only with my husband’s body. We must go back together as a group.”

Call for Justice and Action

The attack has sparked outrage from cities, to legislatures, to courts of public opinion, with many people looking to take on improving safety for tourists in Kashmir and taking decisive action against terrorism more broadly.

This sad story has arisen alongside new news reports showing a growing concern for targeted violence in the region. The alleged assailant attempted to contact Prime Minister Modi directly, generating a surge of national interest and political chatter.

The horrible incident is not just a family’s loss, but a stark reminder of the threat to civilians living in areas of conflict. While India mourns Manjunath, calls for safety measures and policy reform are becoming loud.

Stay tuned for recent news updates and developments on this matter.