'This govt did not live up to expectations': Son of Gujarat man killed in Pahalgam attack says mother stayed with father, told us to leave
SURAT: 10-year-old Naksh is grappling with a heartbreaking reality — his father,
Shailesh Kalathiya
, will never return. Shailesh, a baker from Surat, was among the 28 victims brutally gunned down in Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam.
Trying his best to maintain his composure, Naksh recalled the terrifying moments to The Times of India, revealing that the attackers were wearing caps fitted with cameras.
"We were hungry, so we went to eat. Suddenly, gunshots rang out, and people started running everywhere. My mother stayed with my father and told us to go down. The men who attacked us had cameras on their caps," he said, his voice subdued with the weight of trauma.
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When asked if he had a message for the government, Naksh replied with a quiet, pointed remark: 'This government did not live up to expectations.'
His mother Shital echoed similar sentiments
'The govt deducts taxes from our salaries even before we receive them. We pay taxes while shopping, and we pay tolls to use roads. VIPs enjoy every facility, including security convoys and even helicopters. But when my husband needed protection, he got none. It seems only your (politicians) life is life, and common people's lives are ordinary," Shital said in presence of stunned politicians when they gathered at the Kasturi Bungalows in Mota Varachha to mourn the Surat banker's death on Thursday.
Shital voiced her anguish in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister and Gujarat BJP Chief CR Paatil, local MP Mukesh Dalal, and minister of state for home Harsh Sanghavi. Shital, her son, and daughter escaped the terrorists' bullets, but Shailesh was not so fortunate.
She described how a terrorist who shot dead Shailesh was laughing and stayed there until he died. 'The attackers even separated tourists based on religion before opening fire. The men who were Hindus were separated and shot by the terrorists. What kind of govt is this, which cannot protect its own citizens?' she said.
Flanked by weeping relatives and fighting back her tears, Shital also accused the politicians of finding an opportunity for a photo-op during such tragedies. 'All politicians, officials, and security forces came only after the incident, for photo ops. No one was there when my husband needed help. We thought that Kashmir was the safest place, looking at the big number of military present there. But we were wrong,' she rued.
Shital urged the govt to ensure security and support for the families left behind. 'I want the govt to safeguard the futures of all those who lost their loved ones.' Shailesh was working as a manager with the State Bank of India (SBI) in Mumbai's Kandivali branch, and he was on vacation in Kashmir.
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