Bengaluru: A family vacation turned into a nightmare for a couple from Shivamogga, Karnataka, after a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam claimed the life of Manjunath, a real estate businessman. His wife, Pallavi, and their young son survived the assault that unfolded on Tuesday afternoon.

According to India Today, a grief-stricken Pallavi recounted the terrifying incident that left her husband dead. “It happened around 1.30 pm while we were at Pahalgam. My husband was shot and died right in front of me,” she said. “It feels like I’m trapped in a bad dream.”

According to Pallavi, three to four armed men targeted them during the attack. She alleged the assailants appeared to be singling out Hindus. “I begged them to kill me too after they shot my husband. One of them looked at me and said, ‘I won’t kill you. Go tell this to Modi.’”

She also shared that local Kashmiris rushed to her aid in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. “Three locals came forward and rescued me. They helped me get out of there,” she said.

Pallavi has appealed to authorities to expedite the return of Manjunath’s body to Karnataka. “It’s not easy to bring the body down from there. It has to be airlifted. We’re requesting urgent help to bring him back home,” she said.

In one of the final videos recorded during their trip, the couple appeared joyful as they described their houseboat stay and a recent shikara ride, capturing the serenity of Kashmir before the horror struck.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the attack, confirming that Kannadigas were among the victims. In a post on X, he stated, “Upon receiving the news, I convened an emergency meeting and reviewed the situation with the Chief Secretary and senior police officials. I’ve also spoken with the Resident Commissioner in Delhi.”

He added, “We are closely monitoring the developments. All necessary support will be extended. Please be assured, the Government of Karnataka stands firmly with those affected.”

The incident forms part of a broader terror attack in the popular tourist region of Pahalgam, which has left multiple people dead and several others injured. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a probe into the attack.