Did Terrorists Inquire About Religion Before Killing Manjunath Rao?

Shivamogga, April 28 (NationPress) Pallavi, the wife of the late tourist Manjunath Rao, revealed on Monday that the terrorists did not inquire about their religion before fatally shooting Rao. Instead, they asked other tourists about their identities during the chaotic events that unfolded in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22.

“The terrorists did not pose questions regarding our religion. My husband was shot from a close range. However, numerous fellow travelers informed me that the terrorists demanded Hindus and Muslims to segregate. After confirming their religious identities, those identified as Hindus were shot,” Pallavi stated while addressing a media inquiry regarding the claims made by Minister for Excise R.B. Timmapur, who expressed doubt that terrorists would question their victims' religions.

She noted that Rao sustained a gunshot wound to the neck, just like an army officer nearby. “This was not random shooting; it was targeted. They fired indiscriminately,” she asserted.

When asked about her son’s interaction with a terrorist, who referred to him as a “dog,” Pallavi responded: “My son and I had a dialogue with the terrorist. He instructed us to inform Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I have also been informed that a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team is scheduled to visit us.”

Pallavi recounted that her family arrived in Pahalgam around 12.30 pm and reached Baisaran by approximately 1.30 pm, shortly before the terror attack occurred just five minutes after they dismounted from their horses.

“The tragedy struck within five minutes of our arrival. Following the incident, we spent an hour seeking assistance. The army officer who was also injured was in close proximity to my husband. His wife begged for treatment for him. Although he was still alive, the circumstances made it impossible,” she recalled.

Pallavi mentioned that the officer ceased breathing about five minutes later.

On Sunday, Karnataka Excise Minister R. B. Timmapur stated he does not believe the terrorists would have asked their victims about their religion prior to the attack.

“A terrorist who is shooting, how can he ask about religion or caste? He will just kill people and leave. One has to think practically. The terrorists can't stand there, question the religion of the victim, and then shoot,” he remarked.

Pallavi, who lost her husband Manjunath in the attack, claimed that she and her 18-year-old son “faced” the terrorist and pleaded to be killed with Manjunath.

However, the terrorist assured them he would not harm them and instead instructed them to relay the attack details to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Tragically, at least 26 tourists were killed on Tuesday when gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Baisaran, Jammu and Kashmir.

Eyewitness accounts describe a group of heavily armed terrorists emerging from the nearby woods and launching indiscriminate fire at civilians, the majority of whom were tourists.

Baisaran is a small meadow located three to four kilometers from the Pahalgam market, accessible only by horseback due to the lack of motorable roads.

In response to the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortened his trip to Saudi Arabia. He held a brief meeting with NSA Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri at the airport.

PM Modi condemned the terror attack vehemently, asserting that those responsible would face justice and reaffirming India’s “unwavering” commitment to combat terrorism.