Why Are Families of Pahalgam Victims Opposing the India-Pakistan Match?
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Synopsis
As India's cricket team prepares to face Pakistan, the families of victims from the Pahalgam terror attack urge players to boycott the match, highlighting their ongoing grief and the pain of losing loved ones. This poignant plea reflects the deep emotional scars left by the tragedy.
Key Takeaways
- Grieving families urge boycott of the match.
- Pahalgam attack remains a painful memory.
- Operation Sindoor highlights India's resolve.
- Emotional appeals reflect national sentiment.
- Calls for unity against terrorism are paramount.
Bhavnagar (Gujarat), Sep 14 (NationPress) As India's cricket team prepares to face Pakistan in the Asia Cup, the heartbroken families of the victims of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack have expressed their sorrow, urging players to refrain from participating in the match.
The anguish of the Bhavnagar family, who lost two members in the April 22 attack, has been vocal against the upcoming match.
"The tears in our eyes have yet to dry, and a match against Pakistan?" lamented Kiranben, who lost her husband, Yatish Sudhirbhai Parmar, and her 17-year-old son, Smit Yatishbhai Parmar, in the tragedy.
The match is scheduled just 146 days after the horrific event, which continues to loom large in their memories.
The Pahalgam incident, which claimed the lives of 26 innocent people in the Baisaran Valley, is remembered as one of the most brutal terrorist acts in recent history.
Four heavily armed militants from The Resistance Front, a faction of Lashkar-e-Taiba, carried out the massacre after confirming the victims' faith.
In response, the Indian government implemented a range of diplomatic actions against Pakistan, while the Armed Forces executed retaliatory strikes as part of Operation Sindoor, underscoring India’s determination to combat terrorism.
The family emphasized that the nation should unite against the BCCI's decision to proceed with the India vs Pakistan match, just as it rallied after the attack.
In light of this, the families of the victims and martyrs feel that a cricket match with Pakistan is trivial and even disrespectful.
Speaking to IANS, Kiranben recalled the traumatic experience and made a heartfelt request to the players: "The tears in our eyes have not dried yet, and they are playing the match. It is painful to even hear about it, let alone witness it. Our soldiers also make the ultimate sacrifice. There should be no ties with the terror state of Pakistan. The country must stand united against terrorism."
Her younger son, Savan Parmar, shared the sentiment, saying, "So many lives were lost in the Pahalgam attack, and our soldiers were also martyred during Operation Sindoor. When we learned about the upcoming India-Pakistan match, we felt deeply upset and angered."
"PM Modi had stated that we have cut all ties with Pakistan, so why are we still playing this game? We are in mourning. What is the purpose of holding this match?" he questioned.
Yatishbhai Parmar, 45, originally from Palitana village in Bhavnagar district, had settled in Kaliabid, Bhavnagar, where he operated a hair salon.
His son Smit was a Class 11 student. Both were tragically killed in the Pahalgam attack, leaving behind a shattered family and a grieving community.
For these families, the wounds remain fresh, and the thought of a cricket match with Pakistan only intensifies their sorrow.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the emotional weight that sporting events can carry, especially in light of recent tragedies. While cricket often serves as a unifying force, the pain felt by the families of Pahalgam victims must be acknowledged. Their call for a boycott is not just a personal lament but a reflection of a national sentiment against terrorism, deserving our utmost respect.
NationPress
14/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Pahalgam attack?
The Pahalgam attack occurred on April 22, where 26 innocent lives were tragically lost due to a terrorist attack by militants from The Resistance Front.
How have the families of victims responded to the upcoming cricket match?
The families of the victims have expressed their deep anguish and have called for a boycott of the India-Pakistan match, feeling it is insensitive so soon after the tragedy.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a retaliatory military action taken by the Indian Armed Forces in response to the Pahalgam attack, demonstrating India's resolve against terrorism.
What is the significance of the match for the victims' families?
For the victims' families, the upcoming match feels like an affront to their ongoing grief, as they believe it trivializes the loss of their loved ones.
What has the Indian government done in response to the attack?
The Indian government has taken diplomatic measures against Pakistan and has reinforced its military stance following the Pahalgam terror attack.
