Arathy Menon, a woman from Kochi, Kerala, was enjoying a holiday with her family in Pahalgam, Kashmir, when her life changed forever. On April 22, what started as a peaceful day in the scenic area known as “Mini Switzerland” ended in a terrorist attack that took the life of her father.

Arathy was with her father, N Ramachandran, and her children when they suddenly heard loud noises and realized they were under attack. In an interview with CNN-News18, she said, “We were enjoying the place when we heard a commotion.” She quickly gathered her children and father and hid in a nearby toilet, hoping to stay safe.

With no mobile signal, she couldn’t reach their driver. Eventually, they tried to escape on foot. Arathy recalled hearing 10 gunshots and then non-stop firing for 30 minutes as they ran.

Arathy said the attackers stopped them and asked them to recite the ‘Kalma’. When her father said, “I don’t know,” the terrorists shot him. Arathy held her father in her arms as he died.

Arathy shared that she and her children were deeply supported by the local Kashmiri people. Their driver and other locals gave them clothes and helped them make a safe journey back home.

Arathy shared her faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government, making it clear that her statement was not political. She ended her story with a tearful “Namaste and Jai Hind.”

Reacting to the attack, Prime Minister Modi said, “Conspirators and terrorists who committed this will not be spared. The whole country stands with the families of the victims.”

 

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