Widow's anguish stuns politicians into silence, accuses them of photo ops during tragedy
Surat: "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."
This emotional outburst from Shital, the widow of Shailesh Kalathiya, who was killed in Pahalgam, stunned politicians into silence 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.
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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.
Shital also demanded that the govt secure the future of children of all victims of the terror attack. "We wanted our daughter to become a doctor and our son an engineer. Now, what will be their future? I want justice," she said.
Terrorist Had Camera on Cap: Son
Recounting the horror, the couple's 10-year-old son, Naksh, told TOI that the terrorists had a camera attached to the cap. "We were hungry, so we went to eat. Suddenly, gunfire erupted, and everyone began running for their lives. My mother stayed with my father and told us to go down. They were wearing caps fitted with cameras," he said. When asked if he wanted to tell anything to the govt, he said: "This govt did not live up to expectations."
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