Pahalgam terror attack victim Samir Guha’s wife speaks to the media regarding ‘Operation Sindoor’, in Kolkata, on May 7, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

Widows of Pahalgam victims, in West Bengal, have welcomed ‘Operation Sindoor’ even as they come to terms with their grief.

Sohini Adhikari, widow of Bitan Adhikari (40) who was killed in Pahalgam, said that her sindoor had been wiped away forever and it should never happen to any other woman.

“I have lost my husband, I sought justice from the government. The Government has responded, I hope these terrorists receive the highest punishment so wives and children never have to see such a day again,” she said.

Pahalgam terror attack: A tribute to the victims

The Indian Armed Forces on Wednesday (May 7, 2025) launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ attacking terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a government release read. Nine sites were targeted in the attack.

This came after the Pahalgam attacks on April 22 left at least 26 people dead.

Similar sentiments were shared by Sarbari Guha, widow of Sameer Guha (52), who said that this operation was the right move. “I do not know if they have been able to catch the people who carried out the terrorist attack. But what happened to us we will never be able to forget in this lifetime, that grief can never end.”

Contrasting sentiments

The wife of a BSF trooper, Purnam Kumar Sahu, being held by Pakistani forces had contrasting sentiments however. Mr. Sahu was taken captive on April 23 at the Punjab border.

Rajni Sahu who is pregnant was hopeful on Tuesday that her husband may return soon. She also visited the BSF camp in Pathankot. But after the attacks began, Ms. Sahu said that she was losing hope that he would be returned.

“My husband was in Pakistan when this war began. I do not think anything positive will happen in my husband’s case after this, chances are now low. I am calling officials to ask for updates. I am scared for his life. I had hoped he would be released before the war,” Ms. Sahu said wiping tears. She said that no one was listening to her and sought to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

Evacuation drills 

Evacuation drills were carried out at four private schools in Kolkata on Wednesday as per the advisory issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The drills were conducted at DPS-Ruby Park, La Martiniere for Boys, La Martiniere for Girls, and Future Foundation School in Kolkata. 

Students were instructed on evacuation in case of an emergency and were also taught to deal with crisis situations in case of hostilities. The drills lasted for around 30 minutes in these schools.