'We Were Happy And Then...': Grief, Trauma Still Fresh for Pahalgam Attack Families

The Indian Army on Tuesday issued a stern warning to perpetrators of terrorism on the eve of the first anniversary of the Pahalgam attack, as families of the victims said they are still struggling to cope with their loss.Paying tribute to those killed in the attack at Baisaran valley, a memorial has been erected in the hill resort of Pahalgam. Built of black marble along the banks of the Lidder river, it bears the names of the 26 victims - 25 tourists and local ponywallah Adil Shah.For the family of N Ramachandran, one of the victims, little has changed. The 65-year-old was on a holiday with his family when he was gunned down in the April 22 attack that shocked the country and led to India launching Operation Sindoor, targeting terror launchpads

in Pakistan.His daughter Arathi R Menon, who witnessed the killing, said, "What more to say. I don't want to say anything more. A year has gone by, everything is the same. So, I don't want to comment anything about it. Right now I am not in a state to comment anything. I am so sorry." She added she will return to Dubai after spending time in Kochi over the past year.

Ahead of the anniversary, the Army said in a post on X, "When boundaries of humanity are crossed, the response is decisive. Justice is Served. India Stands United. #SindoorAnniversary #JusticeEndures #NationFirst." The message was accompanied by a poster reading, "SOME BOUNDARIES SHOULD NEVER BE CROSSED" and "INDIA DOES NOT FORGET."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uUyCpsLTxs

The attack also claimed the life of Lt Vinay Narwal, a 26-year-old Indian Navy officer who was on his honeymoon. His father Rajesh Narwal said the family has been grappling with the loss, calling his son's death a loss not just for the family but for the nation.Families of other victims continue to deal with trauma. Manjunath Rao’s relatives said the memories remain vivid, while the family of IT professional Bharath Bushan described being in “deep distress.” Pragati Jagdale, who lost her husband Santosh Jagdale and his friend Kaustubh Ganbote, said, "We were all happy, taking pictures at Baisaran Valley when suddenly gunshots were heard. Within moments, terrorists targeted my husband... and killed them."Her daughter Asavari said the trauma persists. "If there is a loud noise... we panic — wondering whether it is another attack. There is always a sense of fear," she said, adding that no treatment can erase the memory.Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde handed over a newly built house to Adil Shah’s family, fulfilling a promise made last year. Security has also been tightened in and around Pahalgam, with additional personnel deployed and surveillance increased ahead of the anniversary event expected to be attended by officials, families and local residents.(With PTI inputs)