Srinagar: The tourist who died on the spot after being shot by a terrorist in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday afternoon has been identified as Manjunath from Shivamogga in Karnataka. He was vacationing in Jammu and Kashmir with his wife Pallavi and son when the terror strike occurred.
The confirmed casualty figure has now gone up to two, with another tourist dying of his injuries in hospital.
“The terrorists came and confirmed that he was a non-Muslim and then shot him in the head. I knew he was dead. I asked the terrorists to kill me as well, but they refused. They said: ‘Go back and tell this to Modi’. Now, I want my husband’s body to be taken to Shivamogga as soon as possible,” Pallavi said.
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah claimed that he has already spoken to the state’s resident commissioner in Delhi.
“Kannadigas are among the victims of this shocking incident. Upon receiving the news, I convened an emergency meeting and reviewed the situation with the chief secretary and senior police officials. I have also spoken to the resident commissioner in Delhi. We are closely monitoring the developments. All necessary support will be extended. Please be assured, the Government of Karnataka stands firmly with those affected,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.
Pallavi said that locals helped her after the terror attack. Three of them rescued her. Locals are the most affected by such attacks as their livelihoods depend on tourism. J&K People’s Conference chief Sajjad Lone has rightly pointed out that such acts will have a major impact on the local economy.
Tourists have already started leaving, not only Pahalgam, but also Kashmir. An official from the state pointed out that it took several years to restore the faith of tourists. All of that effort was undone by a single incident.
Union home minister Amit Shah has already left for Srinagar and is expected to hold meetings till late into the night. He will meet the survivors on Wednesday.
