Pahalgam Terror Attack: 10-Year-Old Naksh’s Harrowing Eyewitness Account Puts Spotlight on Security Failures
4 min read
Srinagar, April 25, 2025 – A family vacation turned into a nightmare on April 22 when two terrorists stormed the scenic “mini Switzerland” of Pahalgam in south Kashmir, opening fire on unarmed tourists. Among the dead was 44-year-old Shailesh Kalathiya, a State Bank of India manager from Mumbai, who was on holiday with his wife Shital and their two children. In the days since, it is his 10-year-old son, Naksh, whose calm yet chilling testimony has riveted the nation, and raised uncomfortable questions about media ethics and security preparedness.
The Scene of the Attack
- Location: Sheshnag Lake viewpoint, Pahalgam, Anantnag district, popular with honeymooners and weekend travelers.
- Time & Method: Around midday, two assailants in camouflage opened fire, targeting a group of tourists. Within seconds, shouts and gunfire shattered the mountain calm.
- Casualties: At least one confirmed fatality (Shailesh Kalathiya) and multiple injuries; local civilians and tourists evacuated by army helicopters.
A Child’s Voice Amid Chaos
Clad in a blue jacket, Naksh stood surrounded by more than a dozen microphones as cameras rolled. Despite red-rimmed eyes and the weight of recent tragedy, he spoke with startling lucidity:
- On Returning: When asked if he would ever come back to Pahalgam, he replied without hesitation, “No.”
- On Security: “I don’t understand why nobody saw the terrorists coming, even though there are soldiers here all the time,” he asked, the anguish in his voice betraying his young age.
- On Faith-Based Targeting: In an ANI interview, Naksh recounted hearing one of the gunmen shout: “Separate Muslims from Hindus.” He described how the attackers forced men to recite the Kalma three times, and executed those who faltered.
Public and Expert Reactions
The 35-second clip of Naksh’s exchange has been viewed over 120,000 times on social media, amplifying both admiration and concern:
- Supporters praise his composure and insightful questions, noting that he “displayed more courage and critical thinking than many adult interviewees.”
- Child‐welfare advocates and psychologists warn against repeated questioning of a minor survivor, cautioning that such exposure may deepen trauma rather than serve the public good.
Dr. Meera Rao, a child psychologist in New Delhi, emphasizes:
“Repeated on-camera interviews with traumatized children can impede their healing. Media outlets must weigh public interest against potential long-term harm.”
Family’s Outcry and Demand for Accountability
At his father’s funeral on Tuesday, Naksh’s mother, Shital Kalathiya, confronted Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, accusing authorities of gross negligence:
“There was not a single soldier or paramedic stationed at this site, despite thousands of tourists. How did they let this happen?”
Her demands echo growing criticism that security protocols in Kashmir’s high-footfall zones remain reactive rather than proactive.
Watch the video below:
“What kind of government do we have? You are defaming Kashmir, but there is no problem with Kashmir—the problem is with our government’s security arrangements.”
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) April 25, 2025
— Wife of Surat’s Shailesh Kalthia, who was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack pic.twitter.com/66i8wUVfTe
Government Response and Security Review
During Thursday’s all-party meeting convened by the Centre, officials explained that:
- Early Season Rush: Local tour operators began ferrying pilgrims from April 20, days ahead of the formal security deployment schedule.
- No Prior Incidents: Pahalgam had been spared major terror incidents, leading to an underestimation of risk.
Opposition leaders, however, pressed the government on why contingency plans for medical evacuation and rapid response were not already in place at such a well-known tourist destination.
Magisterial Inquiry: The Jammu & Kashmir administration has ordered a judicial probe into the lapse. Preliminary directives include:
- Immediate posting of Quick Reaction Teams at all major viewpoints.
- Establishment of first-aid stations with standby ambulances.
- Coordination protocol overhaul between local police, army and tourism departments.
Impact on Tourism and Next Steps
In the wake of the attack:
- Tour Operators have temporarily suspended early-season bookings, pending clear security assurances.
- Local Economy: Hoteliers and shopkeepers fear a downturn as families reconsider Kashmir for summer retreats.
To restore confidence, the state government plans a “Safe Pahalgam” campaign, promising visible troop presence, emergency medical units and dedicated helpline numbers.
Conclusion
Six days after the bloodshed, Pahalgam’s trails remain eerily quiet. While the valley waits for the judicial inquiry to chart shortcomings, it is Naksh’s quiet resolve, and his haunting question, “Why were no soldiers here?”, that may prove the most powerful catalyst for change. As Kashmir recalibrates its security playbook, the nation is reminded that even in the most picturesque locales, vigilance can never be optional.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of India Prime Times
