‘One Chapter Has Ended’: Pahalgam Victim’s Daughter Thanks Forces After Hashim Moosa’s Killing

A day after performing her father’s shraddh, Asavari Jagdale learnt that Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Hashim Moosa had been killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budgam. For the daughter of Pahalgam attack victim Santosh Jagdale, the news marked the end of “one chapter” in the families’ pursuit of justice.

Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, Jagdale thanked the Indian Army, security forces and intelligence agencies involved in the operation. She described Moosa as the mastermind behind the April 22, 2025 attack in Baisaran Valley, which killed 26 people.

“Today, I will consider it the happiest day for me,” she said, recalling how the victims had been targeted after being asked about their religion.

‘Yesterday Was My Father’s Shraddh’

Jagdale said she had spoken to her father’s photograph while observing his shraddh the previous day, telling him about the continuing operations against terrorism.

“Yesterday was my father’s shraddh, and I was talking to him. I told him that whatever operations are happening against terrorism are because of the sacrifice of all of you,” she said.

Learning of the encounter left her emotional. She thanked the agencies involved and urged the security forces to remain vigilant.

“I am really, really thankful to the Indian Army, Indian forces and all the agencies working behind this. I hope that a day like April 22 never comes again. I request you to remain alert,” she said.

A Step Towards Justice

Asked whether her family had received justice, Jagdale said the killing represented an important step. She also recalled Operation Sindoor, saying it had sent a strong message to Pakistan that India would not tolerate terrorism.

“Today, I feel all 26 families will be happy that the mastermind behind the plan due to which their loved ones were killed has been eliminated. I feel that one chapter of the case has ended,” she said.

However, she distinguished that sense of relief from the completion of the criminal case.

‘Only When the Final Verdict Comes’

Jagdale urged the National Investigation Agency to continue its work, saying a chargesheet had been filed in connection with the attack.

“Until the entire case is closed, I would say that we are still on the path of justice. Only when the final verdict comes will I say that the 26 families have received complete justice,” she said.

With inputs from ANI