Pahalgam terror attack: Father-son duo in Kashmir to attend Ram Katha, SBI staffer among 3 Gujarat tourists killed

The Parmars – Yatishbhai, his wife and son – hail from Palitana and have been staying in Bhavnagar for 20 years. They had gone to Jammu and Kashmir to attend Morari Bapu’s Katha at Sher-i Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar from April 19 to 27. The Parmars, along with four members from Yastishbhai’s in-laws’ side, left for Srinagar on April 19.

“They went to Pahalgam on Tuesday on an excursion, for some good photo memories. The elder son, who works in a laboratory in Bhavnagar, did not accompany them due to his job. Yatishbhai’s wife is on her way to Gujarat. The entire family is in shock at the moment and waiting for everyone to be back home safe,” Bharatbhai, Yatishbhai’s cousin, told The Indian Express.

The third deceased from Gujarat is Shaileshbhai Himmatbhai Kalthiya from Surat. Kalthiya, who worked with the State Bank of India in Mumbai, was on a holiday with his wife and children when the attack that left 26 people dead took place. Kalthiya’s parents are based in the Kapodara area of Surat, and the family originally hails from Amreli’s Lathi taluka.

Two tourists from the state were injured in the attack. While Dabhi Vinodbhai, who sustained a firearm injury, is currently admitted at a Pahalgam hospital, Vinubhai Parmar, who suffered a splinter injury to his right upper arm, has been referred to Government Medical College, Anantnag.

The third deceased from Gujarat is Shaileshbhai Himmatbhai Kalthiya from Surat. Kalthiya, who worked with the State Bank of India in Mumbai, was on a holiday with his wife and children when the attack that left 26 people dead took place. Kalthiya’s parents are based in the Kapodara area of Surat, and the family originally hails from Amreli’s Lathi taluka.

Two tourists from the state were injured in the attack. While Dabhi Vinodbhai, who sustained a firearm injury, is currently admitted at a Pahalgam hospital, Vinubhai Parmar, who suffered a splinter injury to his right upper arm, has been referred to Government Medical College, Anantnag.

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi assured that arrangements were being made by the state government to bring the three deceased back. “All three are being brought back to their families. As per the central government arrangements, they are being brought to Mumbai. As per the directions of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the government will ensure they reach their families,” Sanghavi said, talking to the media on Wednesday.

“I am sure the government will find out the cowards who opened fire on tourists based on their religion. All tourists who have lost their lives, their families get justice for sure,” he further added.

The bodies of the victims killed in the terror attack in Baisaran, an off-road meadow in Pahalgam, were brought to Srinagar, where authorities will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the police control room on Wednesday, officials said.

According to sources, around 20-25 tourists from Gujarat are currently in Jammu and Kashmir.