Categories
Eyewitness and Widow of Pahalgam Terror Victim Urges Politicians Not to Politicize Tragedy
Pragati Jagdale, the wife of Santosh Jagdale—one of the victims killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—recounted the traumatic events of that day and appealed to political leaders to refrain from politicizing the incident.
Her remarks come amid political controversy sparked by Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, who publicly questioned claims that the terrorists had asked victims about their religion before carrying out the attack. Responding to these comments, Pragati, who survived the attack and witnessed it firsthand, addressed the media in Pune on Tuesday.
“Please don’t politicize the incident or play with our emotions,” she said. “We were there. We know exactly what the terrorists said. We have already shared those details during our statements.”
Speaking to reporters with visible anguish, Pragati stated that the attackers acted with deliberate intent and targeted the victims cold-bloodedly. “We experienced terrorism. We heard their hateful words. On humanitarian grounds, I urge all political leaders not to exploit our grief,” she said, as reported by PTI.
Jagdale emphasized that the terrorists appeared to have specifically targeted non-Muslim tourists. “We are still haunted by the memory of the attack. Every time I close my eyes, I see a man holding a rifle. I haven’t been able to sleep since. The trauma runs deep,” she said.
Looking ahead, she expressed hope that her daughter, Asavari, would be able to rebuild her life with the government’s support.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Tuesday that the state government would provide ₹50 lakh in financial aid to the families of each of the six victims from Maharashtra. Additionally, a government job will be offered to the next of kin of each deceased.
Controversy Over Wadettiwar’s Comments
The political storm erupted following remarks by Vijay Wadettiwar, the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, who on Monday cast doubt on reports that the assailants had identified victims based on religion.
“We are being told that terrorists asked about religion before killing. Do they really have that kind of time—to get close and whisper in someone’s ear?” Wadettiwar told reporters. “There are conflicting claims. Some say it happened; others deny it. We shouldn’t draw conclusions without clarity.”
His statement drew sharp criticism from ruling alliance leaders, with Chief Minister Fadnavis stating that such comments added to the anguish of grieving families.
Also Read : Kolkata Hotel Fire Claims 14 Lives, Including Two Children
