Terror Strikes Pahalgam: IB Officer Manish Ranjan Killed While on Holiday
Pahalgam, J&K | April 23 — A vacationing trip turned into a heart-shattering tragedy when Manish Ranjan, an IB section officer stationed in Hyderabad, was among the 26 who lost their lives in Tuesday's ghastly terror strike in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
Ranjan, a Bihar native, had gone on leave to visit with his wife and two children under the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme, official sources told PTI. The family was out at the picturesque Baisaran meadow, a favorite tourist spot near Pahalgam, when armed militants fired on unarmed civilians in one of the most ghastly terrorist attacks the Valley has seen in recent years.
Eyewitnesses indicate that the attackers could have targeted specific people, ordering them to recite Islamic passages before killing those who could not. The eerie process of selection has caused shockwaves in the country and attracted international condemnation.
The victims comprised holidaying families, honeymoon couples, and individual tourists. The death of Manish Ranjan, an officer who worked with India’s top intelligence agency, has lent a dark shade to the national grief.
Following the attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shortened his official trip to Saudi Arabia and flew back to Delhi on Wednesday morning. The moment he landed, he went straight to meet key security personnel, including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, to gauge the ground situation.
Home Minister Amit Shah had flown into Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday itself and was briefed by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat. Present with him during the high-level security review were also Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, and IB Director Tapan Deka.
In a quick counter-attack, Indian security forces killed two terrorists on Wednesday in the Uri area of Baramulla district. The Chinar Corps confirmed that an estimated two to three terrorists seeking to infiltrate through Uri Nala was halted. A fierce exchange of gunfire followed, leading to the killing of two infiltrators.
Bid to infiltrate foiled. Intense exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces in Baramulla. Two terrorists killed,” a statement by the Chinar Corps on social media platform X read.
As operations continue to be stepped up and investigations mounted throughout the Valley, the loss of lives, including that of an officer like Manish Ranjan, remains a grim reminder of the lingering threat of terror in the area. His sacrifice, along with the lives of numerous innocent civilians, is being lamented nationwide.
