Team Herald
MARGAO: A Margao-based family of three had a miraculous escape from the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Damodar Naik, his wife Shalini, and their son were part of a group of 12 tourists who left the area just 10 to 15 minutes before the shooting began.
The Naik family, who returned to their home in Margao on Thursday, recounted their harrowing experience to O Heraldo. According to Damodar, their early arrival at the popular tourist spot may have saved their lives.
“We reached Pahalgam in the morning along with our group. Since there weren’t too many people around, we had a peaceful time exploring the area, eating bhelpuris, and clicking photos in traditional Kashmiri attire,” he said. “It truly felt like a dream location—Pahalgam is called ‘mini Switzerland’ for a reason. But we now realise how
lucky we were.”
Naik believes the attackers had targeted the larger crowds that began arriving later in the day. “While we were leaving, we noticed many more tourists, including families with children, heading up the same route. The terrorists, we were later told, spared women and children and deliberately targeted Hindu men,”
he added.
Their group had gone into a nearby hotel for lunch when they were informed about the attack. “The hotelier broke the news of the firing. We were stunned. One of our group members had a flight to catch, so we had already planned to return by 12:30 pm. That timing may have saved us,”
he said.
The family expressed deep gratitude for their narrow escape. “We truly believe it was divine intervention,” Shalini said. “What was meant to be a peaceful holiday turned into something we will never forget.”
The family has urged fellow tourists to stay vigilant and follow all safety advisories while travelling in sensitive regions.