It has been one year since the terrorist attack that took place on April 22 (2025) last year in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, but that dreadful scene is still fresh in the minds of people, which makes the soul shudder just thinking about it. 26 people died in an attack targeting tourists in Baisaran Valley. This cowardly act of terrorists destroyed many families. The terrorists especially targeted men and wiped vermillion from the foreheads of women. The pain of losing their loved ones is still haunting those families. Not only the victims but those who went with them to the valley and returned alive have also not been able to recover from the shock. These include the family of Chandramouli of Visakhapatnam.
Even after a year has passed since this attack, the dreadful shadow of terrorists remains on the families of the victims and the people who have returned from the jaws of death. Those who survived and their families are still going through severe mental trauma. The families who lost their husbands, sons and loved ones before their eyes are still shocked. He still trembles remembering the horrific scene that happened in front of him in the plains of Baisaran.
Chandramouli's family from Visakhapatnam is also among the victims of the Pahalgam attack. 68 year old Chandramouli of Visakhapatnam lost his life in the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He was a retired bank officer. For the last four years, he was living with his wife Nagamani in flat number 5 of JEV Anchorage Apartments in Pandurangpuram, Beach Road, Visakhapatnam. They have two daughters, Niharika and Animitra. Both are married and live in America.
Last year, on 18th, Chandramouli and his wife Nagamani left home for a happy 10-day trip. He went to Kashmir with three friends and their families and had a great time. On 22nd, they went to Pahalgam, which is called Mini Switzerland. Everyone reached Baisaran Valley riding on horses. On reaching Baisaran around 1 pm, Chandramouli went to the toilet, as soon as he came out, suddenly firing started. Chandramouli, who was suffering from a heart condition, tried to escape by crossing a nearby fence, but the terrorists chased him. Despite pleading to save his life, they did not show any mercy to him. They shot Chandramouli and killed him. This incident happened in front of the eyes of the people who came with him.
Chandramouli's wife Nagamani and the other five people managed to save their lives by hiding behind dense bushes and trees. One of them, Appanna, narrowly escaped from the terrorists. After this they all went to a nearby safe shelter. There was no trace of Chandramouli at that time. They guessed that he might have been injured somewhere nearby. As information about the deceased started emerging, Nagamani, Shashidhar, Appanna and their companions were filled with grief and fear. Then came the news which completely shattered their hearts.
Chandramouli's mortal remains reached Visakhapatnam on 23 April. After some time, his wife Nagamani and other friends also came to Visakhapatnam. A wave of mourning ran throughout the city. The friends who had accompanied him in Kashmir were trembling remembering that incident. Sashidhar and Appanna, who had witnessed the massacre in Pahalgam with their own eyes, burst into tears while describing Chandramouli's brutal killing by the terrorists. Crying, he said that everything went upside down in four days. Even today he shudders remembering that terrorist attack.
Six people had gone to Kashmir for sightseeing, but five returned from there. That sorrow is still haunting him. Chandramouli's wife is still not able to accept this loss. Sadness and loneliness constantly pursue them. Every time that incident comes to her mind, she cries silently.
Even though Chandramouli is no longer among us, people associated with her are still suffering from that sorrow and grief. Even today his friends, colleagues and people living in his apartment get sad remembering him. He told that Chandramouli was always helpful and friendly in every matter. Even the watchman said that Chandramouli treated him like a family member. The watchman is also saddened by the fact that his master, who had gone on a trip, never returned.
After the Pahalgam attack, Chandramouli's family is still mourning silently, living in his memories. Chandramouli's two daughters have settled in America, while his wife Nagamani is left alone in Visakhapatnam. Their pain cannot be expressed in words. However, she spends time with her sister in Visakhapatnam and her daughters in America. Living with Chandramouli's memories has become a daily struggle for the family. A year after the attack, the fields of Pahalgam may have calmed down, but for those who survived, the wound still affects every day of their lives.
