Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka and Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai have condemned the terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed atl east 26 lives, including that of Raipur-based businessman Dinesh Mirania. Calling the incident ‘a cowardly act,’ Governor Deka expressed deep anguish and prayed for peace to the departed souls. He said the entire nation stands with the families of the victims in this hour of grief. The Governor also mourned the death of Mirania and directed the State Government to ensure all possible assistance to his family. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed the attack ‘brutal and inhuman,’ saying terrorism is the gravest threat to humanity and cannot be tolerated in any form.

 

“In this difficult time, the State Government stands firmly with the bereaved family,” he said. Local authorities and officials have been instructed to extend all necessary support, the chief minister said. He also prayed for strength and courage to the family to bear the loss. Taking to social media, the Chief Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dinesh Mirania of Raipur in the cowardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam. We are with the bereaved family. No words are enough to condemn this act.” A family vacation to Kashmir turned into a nightmare for a Raipur-based businessman who was shot dead by a terrorist in Pahalgam on Tuesday — the day he and his wife were celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary. Dinesh Mirania, a resident of Samta Colony, had travelled to Pahalgam with his wife Neha and their two children, Shaurya and Lakshita.

 

The family was out for a stroll when the attacker approached Dinesh and asked him about his religion. On being told he was Hindu, the terrorist opened fire at point-blank range, killing him on the spot. The incident took place in full view of his daughter, while his wife and son were walking a few steps ahead. Eyewitnesses said the attack lasted only a few seconds. A local bystander, sensing the threat, managed to pull the daughter aside, potentially saving her life. Initial reports suggested that Dinesh had sustained injuries.

 

However, late in the night, confirmation of his death was received. His son Shaurya Mirania and Raipur Collector Gaurav Singh confirmed the death. Dinesh’s sudden killing has left the local business community in Raipur stunned. Friends and neighbours remember him as a soft-spoken, family-oriented person. The family is expected to return to Raipur with the body on Wednesday. Authorities in Kashmir have launched a search operation to track down the assailant. A little-know outfit, Kashmir Resistance, claimed the responsibility for the attack. However, the security agencies did not confirm the veracity of the claim.