Honoring a Hero: Kerala Man Martyred in Pahalgam Terror Attack Laid to Rest with State Honors
In a somber farewell, N Ramachandran, a Kerala native who tragically lost his life in the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, was laid to rest with full state honours on Friday. The attack, which targeted tourists at the popular Baisaran meadow, claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including Ramachandran, a 62-year-old resident of Edapally, Kochi.
The day began with Ramachandran’s remains being flown to Kochi, where they were taken to Changampuzha Park for a public viewing. Hundreds gathered to pay their last respects, reflecting the deep sorrow felt across the community. Recognizing the magnitude of the loss, the Kerala government directed the Kochi City Police to conduct the cremation with full ceremonial honors at Shanthikavadam in Edapally.
In an official statement, the Kerala government expressed “profound grief” at Ramachandran’s demise, underscoring the gravity of the incident. Eyewitness accounts from his family, who were present during the attack, have revealed harrowing details of the event. Aravind, Ramachandran’s son, recounted the last moments, saying, “The terrorist asked them to recite the ‘kalma,’ but when my father failed to do so, they shot him in the head.”
Ramachandran was on a family vacation with his wife, daughter Arathi, and his daughter’s twin sons, aged eight. Arathi described the confusion and terror as the attack unfolded: “On hearing a gunshot, I asked my father what that sound was. He said he wasn’t sure. We saw a man coming with a gun. The man said, ‘Kalma.’ When we said we didn’t understand what he was saying, the man shot my father.” In the immediate aftermath, Aravind noted his sister desperately tried to shield their father, unaware he was already gone. Despite the chaos, the family managed to escape through the forest and found refuge at a nearby resort, where military personnel secured their safety.
The assault, targeting one of Kashmir’s frequently visited sites, has led to a nationwide outcry, with many condemning the terror groups responsible and calling for stricter measures against Pakistan. Among those killed was one Nepali national; several others were injured. The incident has also ignited protests across the country.
In response, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed heartfelt condolences and directed NORKA Roots to set up a help desk for Malayalis in Jammu and Kashmir. In a statement, his office declared, “This was not just an attack on individuals, but on the very idea of peace and safety in our country.”
Political leaders, including Opposition Leader VD Satheesan and BJP state chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar, visited the Ramachandran family to extend their sympathies, highlighting the event’s profound impact on the nation’s psyche.
The attack has thrust issues of national security and regional stability back into the spotlight, raising urgent calls for action and heightening the public’s demand for accountability. As India mourns the loss of innocents like Ramachandran, the nation grapples with ensuring the safety and security of its citizens amidst ongoing threats.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/kerala-man-killed-in-pahalgam-terror-attack-laid-to-rest-with-state-honours-1204405-2025-04-25?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-04-25 14:05:00
