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News18
25-04-2025
- General
- News18
'I'm Traumatised, Wish No One Has Such An Ordeal': Assam Professor Who Survived Pahalgam Attack
The harrowing experience has left Debasish Bhattacharyya with deep emotional scars, but he is grateful for the kindness shown by the Kashmiri people and the support of his family Debasish Bhattacharyya, an associate professor from Silchar in south Assam, has revealed the emotional and physical trauma he faced during the terrifying incident in Kashmir's Pahalgam this week. After landing at Guwahati airport on the night of April 24, Bhattacharyya shared his harrowing experience from the Baisaran Valley, where he narrowly escaped death in a terrorist attack. Despite being physically safe, Bhattacharyya admitted in an exclusive interview with News18 Assam Northeast that the psychological scars would linger for a long time, and he was still grappling with the trauma of that dreadful day. On the day of the attack, Bhattacharyya was vacationing in Kashmir with his wife and son. The family was enjoying a peaceful stay at Baisaran when their world turned upside down. Bhattacharyya vividly recalled the chilling moments when they were attacked by armed terrorists. 'We were relaxing under tall trees in the meadows when suddenly a gunshot rang out. A man next to me fell to the ground, and I could hear people around us reciting the Kalma. At that moment, I too joined in," Bhattacharyya said. The professor, who grew up in a Muslim neighbourhood, was familiar with the Kalma and instinctively recited it, realising that it might be the only way to save their lives. The terrorist moved ahead, leaving him behind. As they fled the scene, Bhattacharyya and his family met their local pony riders, who were visibly relieved to see them alive. 'The two-hour walk through the jungle after escaping the site of the attack felt like the longest journey of my life. Every step was filled with the fear of death. When we met our horse riders, they were in tears, overwhelmed with joy to see us alive. They wanted to take us to their homes, but we stopped them. They insisted on helping us in any way possible," Bhattacharyya said. The locals, including a hotel manager and a physician, offered their full support, expressing deep remorse for what had transpired. 'It was a strange but comforting experience in the middle of such an ordeal. I had come to Kashmir, the 'heaven on earth,' for a vacation, but the trip turned into a nightmare," Bhattacharyya added. The professor's son, Dr Dhorodeep Bhattacharyya, a medical intern, was with the family during the incident. 'As a doctor, I've seen death up close, but this was different. It was horrifying. As we fled the scene, a little girl struggled to cross the fence. Her mother called for help, and I rushed back to help her," Dr Bhattacharyya said. 'I'm proud of that moment. I contacted them later, and I'm relieved to know that the girl and her family are safe. They are from Chhattisgarh." While Bhattacharyya and his family are physically safe, the mental toll of the event is still fresh in his mind. 'This was the most horrific experience of my life, and it will haunt me forever. I never imagined I would be caught in such a situation. To witness one first-hand is something I never prepared for. I am thankful that my family and I survived, but it's painful to see others lose their lives," Bhattacharyya reflected. He also spoke about how it was difficult to differentiate between terrorists and security personnel. 'It was a dangerous experience. There was no security in sight, and at first, I mistook the militant for a security personnel. The photographer who was with us also thought he was a forest worker," he added. In addition to the physical and emotional challenges, Bhattacharyya expressed his problem dealing with the media. 'My phone was constantly ringing. Every few seconds, it would ring thrice. It became overwhelming," he said. 'While I understand the media's interest in the story, it was a difficult time for us, and the constant calls only added to the stress." Despite the trauma, Bhattacharyya expressed his deep gratitude for the assistance he received from the authorities, especially Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who ensured his safe return. 'I am thankful to chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his support and ensuring our safe return. His help has been a source of relief amidst everything we went through," Bhattacharyya said. The harrowing experience has left Bhattacharyya with deep emotional scars, but he remains grateful for the kindness shown by the Kashmiri people and the support of his family. As he continues to process the traumatic event, Bhattacharyya hopes that no one else ever has to go through such a terrifying ordeal. Debasish Bhattacharyya's survival story is one of resilience and sheer luck, but the psychological impact of the terror attack in Pahalgam will remain with him for years to come. As he rebuilds his life, he carries with him the memory of the kindness shown by the people of Kashmir, the courage of his family, and the profound realisation that in moments of terror, every breath counts.
India Today
24-04-2025
- Politics
- India Today
I began reciting Kalma: Assam man recalls encounter with terrorist in Pahalgam
A tourist from Assam, who survived the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, shared how he escaped unhurt despite coming face to face with a terrorist. He recalled the attack while speaking to India Today and said he started reciting Kalma loudly when a terrorist approached Professor Debasish Bhattacharyya of Assam University, who was in Pahalgam with his family, said he joined a group of people reciting Kalma when a terrorist approached were under the tree when I heard people murmuring the Kalma. I instinctively joined,' he said. 'A terrorist walked up to me. Then he looked at me and asked, 'What are you doing?"In response, Bhattacharyya began reciting the Kalma loudly.'He asked me, 'What are you saying?' I kept repeating La ilaha illallah... For some reason, he turned and left,' he recalled.'I wasn't directly asked to recite the Kalma, but I heard others doing it under the tree, and I followed them. "I heard the man asking someone if they were taking 'Ram Naam',' Bhattacharyya Assam government has stepped in to make arrangements for Bhattacharya and his family's safe return."The entire family's return to the State is being arranged on priority and the Govt of Assam is in touch with Govt of India to bring the family back to Assam at the earliest," Assam chief minister's office posted on X. advertisement The professor confirmed that he is with his family and all of them are safe and are expected to reach Srinagar on April terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, which claimed 26 lives, left the country in shock and anguish. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the response, India downgraded its diplomatic relations with Pakistan by suspending several strategic schemes including Indus Waters Treaty and SAARC visa exemption for Pakistani InMust Watch
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pahalgam terror attack: Survivor reveals how chanting ‘Kalima' saved his life
A professor at Assam University, who survived the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, said the gunman spared his life because he recited the 'Kalima". Debasish Bhattacharyya, the professor in the Department of Bengali at Assam University, was among the tourists who were attacked by terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed and many were injured in the attack, which triggered nationwide outrage. Bhattacharyya recollected the exact moments when the terrorist spared him and his family members' lives while speaking to News18 Assam about the attack. The professor said he started reciting the 'Kalima' instinctively after hearing murmurs from people sleeping under a tree alongside him. 'Instinctively, I too began to recite it. Moments later, one of the terrorists, dressed in camouflage fatigues, walked towards us and shot the person lying next to me in the head,' Bhattacharyya told News18 Assam. Also read | Pahalgam terrorist attack: These are the suspects in the deadly strike that killed 26 Recollecting his terrifying moments, he added, 'He looked straight at me and asked, 'Kya kar rahe ho?' I recited the Kalima even louder. I don't know what made me do it. For some reason, he turned away and walked off.' Bhattacharyya said he fled the spot by trekking for almost two hours by following the hoof marks of horses on the path. The family then hired a horse rider and reached the hotel, the report said. 'I still can't believe I am alive,' he added. The Chief Minister's Office said on Wednesday that the government is making all arrangements to bring back a survivor's family from Jammu and Kashmir. 'The CM Office Assam has spoken to a survivor from Assam of the dastardly Pahalgam Terror Attack and has taken a full brief of the incident which they faced yesterday,' the statement said. Also read | Rajnath Singh meets NSA, 3 defence chiefs as Pahalgam attack prompts security huddle 'The entire family's return to the State is being arranged on priority, and the Government of Assam is in touch with the Government of India to bring the family back to Assam at the earliest,' it added, without mentioning details about the family. Himanta Biswa Sarma had condemned the attack and said the images of coffins are heartbreaking and have shaken the nation's conscience. 'This nefarious attack will be avenged and the perpetrators will not be spared... India will never forget and never forgive!' he wrote on X.
News18
23-04-2025
- News18
‘Saved Because I Could Recite The Kalima': Assam Professor's Terrifying Encounter With Terrorists In Pahalgam
Last Updated: During the Pahalgam terror attack, terrorists shot the man lying next to an Assam professor but spared him as he recited the Kalima Debasish Bhattacharyya, Associate Professor in the Department of Bengali at Assam University, was among those caught in the deadly terror attack near Baisaran in Pahalgam. He recounted to News18 Assam the terrifying moments that unfolded — a story of survival, faith, and sheer luck. 'I was sleeping under a tree with my family when I suddenly heard murmurs around me — people reciting the Kalima," Bhattacharyya said. 'Instinctively, I too began to recite it. Moments later, one of the terrorists, dressed in camouflaged fatigues, walked towards us and shot the person lying next to me in the head." The gunman then turned to Bhattacharyya. 'He looked straight at me and asked, 'Kya kar rahe ho?' I recited the Kalima even louder. I don't know what made me do it. For some reason, he turned away and walked off." Sensing an opportunity, the professor quietly got up and fled with his wife and son. 'We climbed uphill, crossed a fence, and kept walking for nearly two hours, following the hoof marks of horses on the path. Eventually, we came across a rider with a horse and managed to return to our hotel." Shaken but safe, Bhattacharyya said, 'I still can't believe I am alive." The family is now in Srinagar, awaiting the earliest opportunity to return home. At least 26 tourists were killed in the terror attack after gunmen opened fire on civilians in Pahalgam. The attack took place at Baisaran, where a group of tourists had gone sightseeing on Tuesday morning. A shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group- Resistance Front have claimed responsibility for the attack. Among the dead were two foreigners — from the UAE and Nepal — and two locals, officials said. Victims included tourists from several Indian states, including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. As per the preliminary investigation, three terrorists gathered the deceased together, segregating them into male and female groups before confirming their identities. Some victims were shot from a distance using sniper-like tactics, while many others succumbed to blood loss. The location was deliberately chosen to ensure delayed rescue efforts, thereby maximising casualties, investigation showed. Overnight Search Operation, J&K On High Alert Security forces carried out a major manhunt, combing the area to track down the terrorists responsible for the attack. The Indian Army's Chinar Corps said in a statement: 'The search operation is currently in progress, with all efforts focused on bringing the attackers to justice." First Published:
