**Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Heartbreaking Account from a Grieving Widow**
In a deeply emotional interview, Shital Kalathiya shared the harrowing experience of witnessing her husband, Shailesh Kalathiya, being shot dead during the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. The couple, along with their two children and other families, had only been at the picturesque “Mini Switzerland” location for about 10 to 15 minutes when chaos erupted.
As gunfire rang out, Shital and her family were initially confused, seeking answers from a nearby shopkeeper who also claimed it was the first time he had heard such sounds. The situation escalated quickly when terrorists emerged, demanding that the group separate by religion—Hindus on one side and Muslims on the other. “All the Hindu men were shot on the spot within two to three minutes,” Shital recounted in her interview.
Overwhelmed with fear and unable to move while cradling her wounded husband, Shital desperately hoped for help that never arrived. “We heard so many gunshots, but no security, military, or police came,” she lamented. Even after the attackers fled, there was no immediate assistance, and locals urged those remaining to flee with their children in case of a return. Shital carried her children barefoot through knee-deep mud to safety, a testament to her determination to protect them.
In the aftermath, when she reported the lack of security, an army personnel allegedly dismissed her concerns, questioning why they had ventured to such a dangerous area. Shital expressed her disbelief that such a tragedy could occur, stating, “We trusted the government and our security forces,” and called for the permanent closure of the site if it poses such a risk.
The attack occurred on a Tuesday afternoon when five to six terrorists opened fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadow, approximately five kilometers from Pahalgam. This area, known for its scenic beauty, is accessible only by foot or horseback. The incident marked one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the Kashmir Valley in recent years, with The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claiming responsibility. Eyewitnesses reported that the terrorists emerged from the surrounding pine forests, targeting people who were picnicking, riding ponies, or dining at food stalls. Among the victims were tourists, including two foreigners from the UAE and Nepal, as well as two locals.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the attack as “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years,” highlighting the severity of the situation.
**FAQ**
**What happened during the Pahalgam terror attack?**
On a Tuesday afternoon, terrorists opened fire on a group of tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, resulting in multiple casualties, including both locals and foreign tourists.