‘My sindoor was wiped off by terror but with India’s strike, I feel my husband’s soul can finally rest’

In what many bereaved families are calling a moment of long-awaited justice, India's 'Operation Sindoor' on terrorist targets across the border brought emotional solace to the widows of those killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. From Gurgaon to Arunachal Pradesh, grieving wives said the military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, brought them peace—and a sense that their loved ones’ deaths had not gone unanswered.For Himanshi Narwal, whose husband Lieutenant Vinay Narwal was among the victims, the past fortnight had been the most agonizing of her young life. Speaking from Gurgaon, she said, "India's action has brought peace to Vinay Narwal's soul." On honeymoon when tragedy struck, Himanshi said she connected deeply with the symbolism of the operation's name. "I relate to the choice of the word 'sindoor' for the operation. Those who destroyed so many families have received the strictest punishment." A similar wave of emotion swept through Changlang in Arunachal Pradesh, where Charo Kamhua Tage, the wife of IAF corporal Tage Hailyang, said she was “overwhelmed” after learning about the airstrikes. “I request the govt to wipe out all terrorists so that no more innocents die at their hands,” she said. In Indore, Jennifer Nathaniel, who lost her husband Sushil Nathaniel in the massacre, reacted with fierce resolve. “Justice served. It’s their turn to feel the terror,” she said. Recalling the morning she learned of the operation, Jennifer said, “His face mirrored the determination that our armed forces have shown. Besides justice, I feel a sense of pride. India acted at the right time, and should now push ahead to completely eliminate terrorism.” From Bengal, Soheni Adhikari, widow of Florida-based techie Bitan Adhikari, echoed the sentiments of many. "I am sure he (Bitan) is watching from above. He can now rest in peace. My sindoor was wiped off by terror. I wish no other woman's sindoor is removed like mine. I always had faith in the govt, and I'm grateful for this action." Kolkata’s Sabari Guha, who lost her husband Samir, said the military response is “just the beginning.” She added, “I am indebted to the armed forces. The mission to eradicate cross-border terror must go on. Only when all terrorists are eliminated will complete justice be done. My country should and will remain safe for all.” In Andhra Pradesh’s Kavali, Kamakshi, the widow of software engineer Somisetty Madhusudhan Rao, said she had been too distraught to follow the news until someone informed her of the airstrike. “All of us who lost family members should thank PM Modi for avenging their deaths. I pray that a terrorist attack of the kind that shattered our lives doesn't happen on Indian soil again,” she said. In Maharashtra’s Dombivli, Anushka Mone and daughter Rucha, the family of Atul Mone, said they had long been waiting for this response. “This will bring peace to the souls of all 26 people who were killed in Pahalgam,” Anushka said. “I personally felt a sense of relief that the perpetrators won’t go scot-free.” From Odisha’s Balasore, Priyadarshini Acharya, wife of Prasant Satpathy, said she had been “anxiously waiting for this moment.” She said, “This is a befitting reply. Let terrorists, not the common man, feel threatened. Citizens should feel their lives are valued. The govt has done exactly what it should have. It's a new beginning." Kajal Parmar, who lost her husband Yatish and their 17-year-old son Smit in the attack, made an emotional appeal from Bhavnagar, Gujarat. “We salute the armed forces and urge the govt to be unsparing against Pakistan, this is my prayer to Modi saheb,” she said. In Surat, Sheetal Kalathiya, wife of banker Shailesh Kalathiya, said she felt a small measure of comfort. “The govt and the armed forces [are] bringing to justice those who shot my husband and others in the name of religion,” she said, allowing herself a brief smile.