Families shocked as news of loved ones killed in terror strike reaches them

Nagpur (Maharashtra ) [India], April 23 (ANI): The terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on Tuesday has left families mourning across several parts of the country, including Nagpur in Maharashtra.

Speaking to ANI, a family member in Nagpur, whose relative was injured, said, "My younger brother went there for the holidays. We got this news from the television. We tried to contact him, but we were unable to do so...We are continuously trying to contact them...."

Another relative of one of the tourists expressed similar fear and uncertainty. 

"We got the information from the television, and we got worried after that. The last time we contacted each other was on April 17. We are very worried, but got relief after seeing that they are alive. We are continuously trying to connect with them...," the family member shared.

Shubham Dwivedi, a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, lost his life in the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack.

His cousin Saurabh Dwivedi in Kanpur said, "...Shubham Bhaiya got married on February 12 this year. He was in Pahalgam with his wife. My sister-in-law called my uncle and told him that Shubham was shot in the head. It is also being said that the firing started after asking for the names of the individuals... We have received information that the body will be released after 2-3 days after completing all the procedures..."

An Indian Navy Officer, Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, who was posted in Kochi, was also been killed in the Terrorist Attack. He was in Pahalgam with his spouse while on leave. He is a native of Haryana and got married on April 16, 

Vinay Narwal's neighbour said, "He was married just a few days back; four days ago it was his reception and there was a celebration all over here. Today, we come to know that terrorists have killed him." 

With the situation tense in the area, some tourists have decided to cut short their trips too. One of the tourists, Sameer Bhardwaj from Delhi, had plans to visit places in Pahalgam, but he said he will be returning to the National Capital now.

"We have been in Kashmir for the last three days. We had plans for Pahalgam, but since the situation is not good here, we are leaving for Delhi... What happened here is very wrong. Such a thing has happened in Pahalgam for the first time," the tourist told ANI.

Following the terror attack, security forces have launched search operations on Wednesday to track down the terrorists responsible.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a briefing meeting with EAM Dr S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and other officials immediately after landing in Delhi from Saudi Arabia. (ANI)