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Hindustan Times
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘We were waiting for this day': Family members of Pahalgam terror attack victims welcome Operation Sindoor
THANE: The family members of the three Dombivli residents who died in the Pahalgam terrorist attack welcomed the India's 'precision strike' on Wednesday targeting nine 'terrorist infrastructure' sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, while urging the central government to continue the military action till Pakistan-based terror modules were completely dismantled. Kalyan, India - May 07 2025 : Pic Family members of Pahalgam terror attack victims express solidarity and relief after India's Operation Sindoor strike on terror camps; Dombivli locals distribute sweets to celebrate the military action. Pic on Wednesday in India on 07 2025 - Story By Anamika Gharat ( Photo By Pramod Tambe) 'We were eagerly waiting for this day,' said Harshal Lele, son of Sanjay Lele, one of the 26 Indian and Nepali civilians, mostly tourists, who were killed in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 by what India claimed were Pakistan-backed terrorists. 'I couldn't sleep yesterday after getting to know that the Indian armed forces had attacked terror camps and kept on watching live feeds of the action on news channels,' he added. Lele said that he and others in his family knew that it was just a matter of time before the Indian government took some action against the terrorists. 'We felt a sense of peace and justice, but this was just one strike. India must continue such operations until terrorism is completely eradicated,' he said, while remembering how armed terrorists brutally killed tourists in Pahalgam, showing no mercy. Hemant Joshi and Atul Mone, the two other Dombivli residents killed in the terror attack, were also Sanjay Lele's relatives. Their family members said that the military strike by the Indian armed forces brought a sense of closure to them and offered true homage to their deceased loved ones. Jayant Bhave, a relative of the three deceased, said that he too was waiting for a firm response by the Indian government, just like other members of his family. 'When we learned about 'Operation Sindoor' at 3 am, we felt a wave of satisfaction. We are proud of the Indian Army and the government for this decisive action. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised a strong response, and the families trusted the government would stand by its word. India has shown our enemies that such acts will not go unanswered. We are confident this is just the beginning of a bigger crackdown on terror,' he added. Anushka Mone, wife of Atul Mone, also voiced her support for the military operation. 'This strike was not just a reply to the attack on tourists. It was a reply to the attack on India itself. Now is not the time for politics. The government and army deserve full support. Although no action can bring our loved ones back, the army has delivered justice. We are certain India will not rest until the terror network is completely dismantled,' she said. Local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena leaders also hailed the strike, while residents joined in by distributing sweets on the streets in Dombivli and other urban areas of Thane district. The joy was visible across the area, as shopkeepers, rickshaw drivers and other citizens all expressed pride and relief over the military action. India described the strikes, conducted between 1.05 am and 1.30 am on Wednesday, as 'focused, measured, and non-escalatory,' avoiding Pakistani military facilities and civilian casualties. However, Pakistan claimed later in the day that 26 civilians, including women and children, were killed and 46 others were injured in the strikes. Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed said in a statement that 10 family members and four aides of its founder, Masood Azhar, were killed in the attack.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
'Our grief won't diminish, but there is some consolation': Families of Pahalgam terror attack victims react to 'Operation Sindoor'
Richa Mone's father, Atul Mone, and two relatives died in a terror attack in Pahalgam THANE: Following India's Operation Sindoor, the families of Pahalgam terror attack victims expressed both grief and Lele, son of Sanjay Lele , was among those killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22. His family stated, 'We are satisfied with the Indian Army's action. Our grief won't diminish, but there is some consolation that something was done about these terrorists.' They pointed out that Pakistan won't change its ways and such operations should continue.'Even after we retaliated against their attacks twice, they had the audacity to strike a third time. This time, they specifically targeted tourists, killing mostly Hindus.'Recalling a personal moment, a family member shared, 'When the strikes happened after Pulwama, my father hugged me with joy. This time, the tragedy struck us personally, but wherever he is now, he must be feeling proud.'Anushka Mone , wife of the deceased Atul Mone , and their daughter Richa Mone expressed relief upon hearing about the military strike. 'We felt very good hearing about the strike carried out by the Indian Army. They have taken revenge for us,' Anushka stated. 'This revenge would have brought peace to the souls of all 26 people who were martyred in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.'She further added, 'We thank the Indian government for taking this revenge. They have made a beginning, and our wish is that they eradicate terrorism from its roots.''I was very happy to learn that India conducted the attack at 3am on Pakistan. India took swift action following the incident,' Anushka continued. 'Operation Sindoor was successful, and we hope for such successful operations in the future as well.'Jayant Bhave , father-in-law of victim Hemant Joshi from Dombivli, stated, 'India's response was absolutely appropriate. We were waiting for such action. This is a true tribute to the three people who lost their lives. These operations will certainly help reduce terrorism.'The families expressed gratitude to all three branches of the military, while also urging soldiers to take care of themselves while defending the nation: 'Your lives are important too. Take care while eliminating threats to ensure your families don't suffer the same fate as ours.'The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 36 lives and sent shockwaves across the nation.
The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Operation Sindoor: Maharashtra leaders across party lines, celebrities laud Indian armed forces
Reactions have poured in from various political leaders, celebrities, and citizens following the government's announcement of Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory action against terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. Follow the 'Operation Sindoor' LIVE Richa Mone, daughter of Atul Mone, who was killed in the Pahalgam attack, expressed some happiness, noting that the attack marked the beginning of a significant change. She shared how the families of those who sacrificed their lives would now find peace, stating that though their faith in the Modi government had been limited, they were pleased to see action taken. She added that the operation was a step toward ending terrorist attacks. Her sentiments were echoed by Anushka Mone, wife of Atul Mone, who conveyed her satisfaction with the government's decision. She explained that they were informed around 3 am about India's action, and the news of nine missiles being dropped in Pakistan made her feel hopeful. While she acknowledged that those lost in the attack could not return, she emphasized that the change brought about by the operation was a positive one and hoped for its continued success. Follow the Operation Sindoor reactions LIVE: The Maharashtra Chief Minister also expressed his approval of the government's move. Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, showed his full support for the operation. He praised the Indian Army and Navy, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for leading the successful mission. He also thanked the country for standing united behind the Prime Minister and the armed forces, while calling out Pakistan for continuing to spread terrorism globally. Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed his thoughts on X , stating that terrorism in all its forms must be eliminated , while praising the decision of the strikes in PoK, which targeted only terrorist sites . The Opposition too welcomed the government's move, with various leaders acknowledging the importance of taking decisive action. Sharad Pawar, nationalist congress party leader, also expressed his solidarity with the armed forces declaring ,' We stand with our armed forces '. He stated that every Indian has complete faith in the Indian Army, which protects the nations sovereignty by taking bullets on his chests and offered congratulations to the soldiers who carried out the operation. Supriya Sule, also from the Nationalist Congress Party , took to X with a clear message of support, stating they stand with the armed forces Aaditya Thackeray expressed his support with the message that the strikes should be impactful enough to ensure that terrorism never stands a chance again . Krishna Hegde, Shiv Sena spokesperson, reaffirmed his praise for the action taken by the government, adding that the mission's success marked a firm commitment to ending terrorism and safeguarding citizens. Jayant Patil, a member of the nationalist congress party, offered further praise, stating every Indian has complete faith in the Indian army, which continues to protect India's sovereignty. He applauded the Indian Air Force for its precise air strikes on nine terrorist locations in the early hours of the morning, noting that the mission was carried without harming Pakistani civilians on militarily locations . Celebrities were quick to voice their support for the operation, with many taking to X to share their thoughts. Anupam Kher tweeted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jay' expressing his happiness on the success of the operation . Similarly, Riteish Deshmukh also shared the same patriotic sentiment. Meanwhile, Adv. Rohini Eknathrao delivered a bold and direct message, saying Listen son, Pakistan, Hindustan is your father. Jai Hind ke Sena Leaders and citizens across Maharashtra voiced unwavering support for the armed forces, applauding the precision and intent behind Operation Sindoor .
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
'You have created terror here,' terrorist told us before shooting: Families recount Pahalgam horror
Live Events "You have created terror here," a terrorist shouted before continuing to indiscriminately fire at tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran, ignoring pleas to spare their lives, survivors of the massacre recounted at Dombivli near Mumbai on Thursday after returning home. Three cousins -- Sanjay Lele (50), Hemant Joshi (45) and Atul Mone (43) -- hailing from Dombivli in Thane district, were among the 26 persons, mostly tourists, killed in the ghastly terror attack at Pahalgam on April 22 (Tuesday).Relatives of the deceased narrated how what began as an idyllic day turned out to be the worst day of their life as terrorists, clad in brown clothes, faces covered, equipped with GoPro cameras mounted on their heads, descended on the picturesque meadow of Baisaran and changed it into a blood-soaked site. "There were at least four of them," said Harshal Lele, whose father Sanjay and two uncles were killed in the attack."I saw two, but from their movements and the sound of footsteps, I could tell there were more. They had beards and wore brown clothes, though I can not say whether it was a uniform," he told the media. Harshal Lele, who travelled with his family to Pahalgam on April 22, recalled the moment his life changed. "My hand was on my father's head when I suddenly felt something wet. I looked, and it was blood his head had been shot," he recounted with trembling voice. The attack unfolded suddenly. "We first thought the firing sound was like a bulb fuse bursting. Then the sound came closer. Locals alerted us, but it was already too late," he Mone, wife of the slain Atul Mone, shared how her husband was murdered while trying to reason with the attackers. "We reached Baisaran Valley around 1 or 1.30 pm. It was a bright, beautiful day. Suddenly we heard gunfire, but thought it was some adventure activity nearby," she said. The gunmen demanded to know who among the group were Hindus or Muslims. "They asked us three to four times. No one answered. My husband stepped forward and said, 'Why are you shooting us? We have done nothing.' They shot him," Anushka Mone Mone was Harshal Lele's uncle. She recalled the moment her another relative raised his hand when asked again who among them was Hindu. "They executed him right there," she said. "These were tourists, families. What terror had we spread?," she stated while narrating the words of terrorists who told her "you have created terror here" before firing another round into the terrified crowd. Harshal Lele described how his uncle, Atul Mone, was asked to separate from his wife and relatives. "He refused. He hugged them tightly, and they shot him in the abdomen," he uncle, Hemant Joshi, tried to plead with the attackers. "He said, 'We have done nothing, let us go,' and they shot him for that," Harshal Lele said. He witnessed his father being shot in the head after trying to speak to one of the attackers. In the chaos that followed, the survivors were guided out by helpful locals and horse service providers. "There was no security at the site. The area was wide open, with more than a hundred tourists maybe even more, we could not see the full area," Harshal Lele added."I carried my mother on my back before we got the help from a pony ride operator who offered us to take her down on his horse. We walked for four hours through the mud and hills," he said. "My mother had a partially paralysed leg. We reached the hospital at around 6 pm. The firing happened at 2.30. By 7 pm, they told me three people from my family had died," Harshal Lele Lele family took shelter at the home of a family friend who is an IPS officer. Harshal Lele was called for body identification the next morning at 7 and later taken to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Responding to a question on expectations of the family, he said, "The terrorists can be anywhere. Do not spare them. Give shoot at sight orders. I don't know what else to say." Families of the victims are now demanding accountability and justice."The government must act. We were ordinary tourists. We went to see nature, not to become victims of terrorism," said Anushka Mone. The Mone family broke down before the media as they narrated the harrowing sequence of events that turned a dream vacation into a blood-soaked nightmare. Anushka Mone, holding back sobs, recalled how Hemant Joshi, confused and unaware of the threat, asked the terrorists what they were doing."They shot him in the head before he could finish his sentence," she said. Her daughter Richa Mone, a 12th-grade student who was also at the spot, added, "They asked about Sanjay Kaka (uncle). I was right behind him when they shot him dead." She recounted how her uncle -- Anushka's Mone's brother -- was spared possibly only because his wife wore green bangles, which the terrorists may have mistakenly associated with Muslim identity. "There was no chance to run. If we had, they would have fired more bullets and killed more people. So we ducked and sat silently," she described a night of fear and confusion. "We were escorted down by military and police personnel after hours. There were choppers, but too few. There should have been better security at such a major tourist spot. On the upper hills, there was nothing," said Richa Mone. Tourists were stranded and traumatized. "We sat at the Pahalgam base till 9:30 pm. Many others were in worse condition - a woman with two kids was fainting in fear. It was complete chaos," Anushka Mone recounted.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Time of India
'My father was killed in front of me, I could not do anything': 18-year-old recalls Pahalgam terror attack
Richa Mone's father, Atul Mone, and two relatives died in a terror attack in Pahalgam THANE: 18-year-old Richa Mone vividly remembers the horrific moment when terrorists gunned down her father, Atul Mone and two other family members Hemant Joshi and Sanjay Lele during what was meant to be a joyful family trip to Kashmir. Atul Mone, a section engineer with the railways, had travelled to the Valley with the families of his two relatives. The three men lost their lives in Tuesday's terror attack in Pahalgam, where gunmen opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. Speaking to TOI, Richa described the nightmare that unfolded on what was supposed to be their first day exploring the picturesque hill station. "My father was killed in front of me, and I could not do anything," Richa said, her voice breaking. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Le Bitcoin Atteint 90 000$! S'agit-il du Bull Run Que Nous Attendions? eToro Market Updates Learn More Undo She recalled that the group was enjoying their first day in Pahalgam when two people suddenly approached them and began firing. "They asked everyone who was Hindu and who was Muslim. When Sanjay Uncle raised his hands, he was shot first. Later, when Hemant Uncle asked what happened, he was also shot directly," she recounted. "Later, my father told the terrorists that we were not doing anything and pleaded not to harm us, but they did not listen, and he was also shot. He was shot in front of me, and I could not do anything," she said, breaking into tears. In the chaos that followed, Richa and a few others hid in fear for nearly 15–20 minutes. They desperately tried to wake her father, unaware that he was already gone. "We stayed there in fear for 15-20 minutes. We tried to wake up my father, but he did not get up. After this, the locals there told us to run away, save our lives, and that the army would come to save us. We were told to save ourselves. After that, six of us left from there. Later, we came to know that my father and the other three uncles had died," she said. Demanding justice, Richa said the family had never imagined their vacation would end in tragedy. "We want justice; this was unexpected for us. It was the first day of our Kashmir tour. This was my father's second Kashmir tour. We want justice; we want revenge for what happened to us. We thought Kashmir was safe; that's why we went there," she said.
