Tell Modi: Terrorist Spares Wife and Son After Kashmir Attack Kills Man on Family Trip
We Really Like This”: Karnataka Man’s Last Video Before Terror Attack in Kashmir
Family’s Dream Vacation Turns into a Nightmare in Pahalgam
A joyful family vacation turned tragic in an instant as Karnataka resident Manjunath Rao was gunned down in front of his wife and teenage son during a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. A video filmed just hours before the attack, now widely shared, captures what were likely the final moments of happiness for the family.
Manjunath, 47, had traveled to Kashmir with his wife Pallavi and their 18-year-old son Abhijeya to celebrate their son’s stellar academic performance. The video shows the couple enjoying a peaceful shikara ride on Dal Lake, blissfully unaware of the horror that awaited them.
The Last Video: “We Really Like This”
A Simple Family Trip Captured Forever
In the now-viral video, Manjunath, a resident of Shivamogga in Karnataka, smiles with satisfaction as he and Pallavi enjoy the scenic beauty of Kashmir from a shikara.
“I am Manjunath from Shivamogga, Karnataka. We have come on a Kashmir trip. Today is the day of our travel,” he says with a smile.
Pallavi, seated beside him, adds:
“Yesterday, we stayed in a boathouse. It was very nice. We are enjoying a shikara ride now. Mohammad Rafiq ji is rowing the shikara. Kajal Thakur of India Travel Store organised our trip.”
With a thumbs-up, Manjunath concludes:
“We really like this, very good service, thank you.”
These cheerful, thankful words were among his last.
Hours Later—A Terror Attack in Pahalgam
A Family Torn Apart in Seconds
Just a few hours after the video was recorded, tragedy struck. The family was enjoying panipuri when armed terrorists opened fire. Manjunath was shot dead in front of Pallavi and Abhijeya.
Speaking to a Kannada TV channel in a voice trembling with grief, Pallavi recounted the horror:
“My husband died right in front of me. I couldn’t cry or react, I couldn’t even comprehend what happened.”
Tell Modi : Terrorist Spares Wife and Son
In a shocking revelation, Pallavi said that after seeing her husband gunned down, she and her son confronted one of the attackers and asked to be killed too.
“The terrorist replied, ‘Nahin marenge. Tum Modi ko jaake bolo’ (I won’t kill you. Go and tell Modi),” she said.
The mother and son were eventually escorted to safety with the help of a local driver and three other individuals who risked their lives to save them.
A Celebration Turned Tragedy
A Trip to Reward a Brilliant Son
The trip to Jammu and Kashmir wasn’t just a vacation—it was a proud family moment. Manjunath’s uncle, Madhav Murthy, told ANI that the journey was a gift for their son.
“His son scored 98% in Class 12 exams, which is why he took his family to Jammu and Kashmir. They were eating panipuri when the terrorists attacked them.”
It was a well-earned celebration that turned into a life-altering trauma.
Shock and Condolences Across India
Karnataka Government Steps In
Karnataka minister Madhu Bangarappa visited the grieving family and extended condolences on behalf of the state government.
“This is very unfortunate, and such a situation was completely unexpected. Our minister is already present there and actively coordinating efforts. The state government is handling the matter with full care and responsibility,” she said.
A Nation Mourns 26 Lives Lost
Manjunath was one of 26 people killed in the terror attack, which has sent shockwaves across India. As the country mourns, questions are being raised about tourist safety and the recurring threat of terrorism in the region.
The Viral Video: A Reminder of Life’s Fragility
The viral video of Manjunath and Pallavi is both heartbreaking and haunting. In it, a family is seen cherishing a simple joy—floating peacefully on a lake, unaware of the fate that lay ahead.
It is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life, especially in regions plagued by violence. What was meant to be a reward for academic excellence turned into a traumatic memory that the survivors will carry forever.
Calls for Justice and Better Security
As the video continues to spread, public outrage has grown. Many are calling for stronger counter-terrorism measures and better protection for tourists in conflict-prone areas like Kashmir.
Social media users and political leaders alike have demanded justice for Manjunath and other victims, with hashtags like #JusticeForManjunath and #KashmirTerrorAttack trending.
Manjunath’s story is not just one of loss—it is a story of a family’s resilience, of a father’s love for his son, and of a woman’s unimaginable strength. His final words, “We really like this,” now echo with painful irony, marking the end of what was supposed to be a dream vacation.
May his soul rest in peace, and may this tragedy lead to stronger protections for all citizens seeking peace in a land that has known too much violence.
