April 22, 2025 is still etched in public memory as the day terrorism struck Pahalgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, when terrorists entered a picturesque meadow and killed 26 people. For many, the past year has been filled not only with loss, but also with the ongoing struggle to adjust to life after tragedy.
Among those bearing this burden is Asavari Jagdale, daughter of Santosh Jagdale, who was killed in the attack. Speaking about the past year, Asavari described the emotional toll it has taken on her family and others who have been similarly affected, according to news agency PTI.
The agency quoted Asafari as saying: “This year has been very difficult for me and my family. It was equally tough for the other 25 families who lost their loved ones before their eyes… We went through hell last year – losing a loved one and struggling with all the promises made by the government… My father was very supportive of me and my mother…”
The loss extends beyond one family
Asavari noted that at least 25 other families faced similar pain, many of whom witnessed the loss of loved ones firsthand. The shared nature of this tragedy has created a collective sense of grief that remains.
On the eve of the first anniversary, the Indian Army recalled its response through Operation Sindoor, issuing a tough message against terrorism. In a post on the
The nature of the attack increased its brutality. During the attack, the victims were reportedly asked about their religion before being killed, underscoring the sectarian dimension of the violence.
Even a year later, families are still reeling from the loss. For many, life has changed irrevocably.
“It’s been almost a year”
The wife of Prasanta Kumar Satapathy, one of the dead, described how the accident had reshaped her life and responsibilities.
“My late husband’s name was Prasanta Kumar Satapathy. He died in the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, due to terrorists. It has been almost a year. As they say, life goes on. But not a single day goes by that I don’t remember him. When he was here, life was different. The temporary job I had then, has now become a necessity for me to survive and run the household,” he told news agency ANI.
She said the family is continuing to cope while waiting for the support she was promised.
“With the temporary job I have, it is management. Because at that time, the government said they will give me a government job, they will bear my child’s education expenses, and they will provide financial assistance. We have received financial assistance, but the government job they promised has not been provided yet. In other states, they have offered jobs based on qualifications. I just want the government to fulfill the promises it made as soon as possible,” she added.
Sindor process
Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, striking nine major launch pads linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen groups. More than 100 terrorists were killed during the operation.
The strikes sparked a four-day conflict marked by drone attacks and bombing from Pakistan. Indian forces responded with retaliatory measures, including strikes on radar installations in Lahore and near Gurjanwala.
After damage was caused, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart, leading to a ceasefire agreement on May 10.
Continuation of operations
Security operations continued after the initial response. Operation Mahadev eliminated three terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, marking another joint effort of the Army and security agencies.
On the diplomatic and economic front, India has taken steps including ending the Indus Waters Treaty and halting bilateral trade with Pakistan.
(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
