'Didn't Die An Ordinary Death': Pahalgam Victim's Kin Seek Martyr Status Ahead Of PM Modi's Visit
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Shubham Dwivedi, 31, was killed by terrorists on April 22 and his family says he should be recognised as a martyr for his courage and sacrifice
'He took the first bullet, but saved many lives. He stood fearlessly before the dreaded terrorists and didn't hesitate to reveal his identity. 'I am a proud Hindu,' he said, and the next moment, they shot him. He didn't die an ordinary death," said Sanjay Dwivedi, the father of 31-year-old Shubham Dwivedi, who was killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on May 30, the family of the 31-year-old is clinging to the hope that their son will be recognised as a martyr for his courage and sacrifice.
Sitting in their modest Kanpur home, Sanjay Dwivedi, a retired schoolteacher, recalls the horrifying details shared with the family by eyewitnesses. 'Shubham did not try to run. He faced the terrorists. He stood in front of them and said, 'I am a Hindu.' And he was shot point-blank in the head. That courage is not ordinary — it is heroic," he said.
The family believes Shubham's defiance and composure in the face of death allowed others to survive. 'His presence of mind gave others a few seconds to escape the area. Those seconds saved lives. We just want his sacrifice to be remembered by the country. That is all we ask for," Shubham's father told News18.
The Dwivedis say they have only one demand from the government. 'The country should give him the honour of a martyr. That is not just for us, but for every Indian who believes in dharm, in courage, and in standing for what is right," said Sanjay.
Shubham had married just weeks earlier on February 12 and was on vacation in the picturesque Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam with his wife and her sister when terrorists opened fire on tourists. Shubham was killed on the spot after being shot in the head.
His wife, Aishanya Dwivedi, has since been inconsolable. 'I only have one hope now that my husband is given the status of a martyr. It would mean everything to me," she said.
Family's Request Routed Through Kanpur MP
The Dwivedi family first conveyed their wish to meet the prime minister to Kanpur MP Ramesh Awasthi, who responded immediately. 'We requested our parliamentarian and he not only supported us but also sent an official letter to the Prime Minister's Office," said a family member.
Though no official confirmation has arrived yet, reports suggest the PM may meet the Dwivedi family during his Kanpur visit on May 30. 'Just the possibility has given us some hope and strength," the family said.
A Targeted Attack on Identity
The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, including that of a Nepali tourist. Shubham's family maintains that he was targeted for being a Hindu.
'Our son wasn't caught in random violence," a family member said. 'He was targeted for his faith. And he did not hide it — he embraced it, even in front of terrorists. That is the spirit of Bharat."
Operation Sindoor Brings Some Closure
The government's military response to the Pahalgam killings, Operation Sindoor, was launched on May 7 and targeted terror infrastructure across the Line of Control in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The family called it a step that 'brought peace to Shubham's soul."
MP Ramesh Awasthi, in his letter to the PMO, also mentioned the family's gratitude for the operation.
Shubham was cremated with full state honours in his native village on April 24. The cremation was attended by Uttar Pradesh ministers Yogendra Upadhyay and Rakesh Sachan. Later, chief minister Yogi Adityanath personally visited the family and assured them of 'every possible support." On April 30, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met the family and expressed support for their demand to recognise Shubham as a martyr, making it a rare instance where grief united political leaders across party lines.
Awaiting National Recognition
Despite overwhelming local and political support, the family is clear that their final hope rests with PM Modi. 'We have faith in our prime minister," Sanjay Dwivedi said. 'He understands the pain of families like ours. We are not asking for money. We are asking for samman—honour for our son who gave his life for others."
As the date of the prime minister's visit nears, the Dwivedis await a moment they hope will transform personal tragedy into national remembrance.
'We haven't received official confirmation, but media reports say the PM is coming to Kanpur. We're hopeful. If he recognises Shubham's sacrifice, it won't just honour our family — it will honour courage itself."
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Kanpur Operation Sindoor Pahalgam attack pm narendra modi
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May 28, 2025, 10:29 IST
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