'Kill Me Too': Shashi Tharoor Recounts Pahalgam Attack Survivor's Cry
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in US recalled the harrowing moment during the Pahalgam terror attack when a woman, horrified after watching her husband die, screamed -- "kill me too," but the terrorists said no and told her to go back and tell the story.
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Congress MP Shashi Tharoor headed an all-party delegation during their US visit.
Washington:
During his address to the Indian community in Washington, DC, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shared a chilling account from the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack. He described how a woman, after witnessing her husband's murder, begged the terrorists, "kill me too" – but they refused, instructing her instead to return and share the horrific story with others.
Mr Tharoor emphasized the exceptional and unqualified support that India has received from American lawmakers following this tragic incident.
Speaking on behalf of the multi-party Indian parliamentary delegation, Mr Tharoor explained that their primary mission was to communicate India's recent experiences and build solidarity against terrorism.
"We've met with an impressive and diverse group of legislators who engaged with us meaningfully. Our purpose for this visit was straightforward – to explain what India has endured in recent weeks with the devastating terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and to seek understanding and solidarity regarding these matters..." Mr Tharoor stated.
Reflecting on the nature of their discussions, he continued, "The India relationship clearly matters to all these representatives. The strategic partnership is tangible – we witnessed it firsthand... Though their schedules are constantly demanding – in fact, our Senate meeting concluded because they needed to leave for a vote – they prioritized time for us and engaged in a thoroughly positive and constructive manner."
Mr Tharoor also highlighted the remarkable bipartisan support they encountered, noting, "We had prepared for considerable pushback, questions, or skepticism, but experienced none. Instead, we received unconditional support in our fight against terrorism..."
He emphasized the diverse composition of the Indian delegation, contrasting it with the divisive intentions behind the Pahalgam attack.
"Our delegation includes seven MPs representing five political parties and seven states, accompanied by two ambassadors – the current and former ambassadors to Washington. Collectively, we represent eight states and three religions... I mention religions not because it should be relevant, but because the terrorists in Pahalgam deliberately made religion an issue by questioning their victims about their faith before executing them with shots between the eyes. They committed this atrocity in a manner ensuring survivors would remain to recount their questioning... That was the message they intended to convey..."
Mr Tharoor directly encouraged community members to continue advocating their concerns and influencing their elected officials.
"When you communicate with your representatives about issues that matter to you, your families back home, and India as a whole, it genuinely makes a difference. They recognize your presence, respect your standing, and acknowledge you all as exceptional achievers who contribute significantly..." he remarked.
The delegation led by Mr Tharoor arrived in the United States on Wednesday. Its members include Shambhavi Chaudhary (Lok Janshakti Party), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Jharkhand Mukti Morcha), G M Harish Balayogi (Telugu Desam Party), Shashank Mani Tripathi, Tejaswi Surya, and Bhubaneswar Kalita (all from the BJP), Mallikarjun Devda (Shiv Sena), former Indian Ambassador to the US Taranjit Singh Sandhu, and Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora.
This diplomatic mission forms part of India's broader initiative, Operation Sindoor, launched following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.