Daijiworld Media Network- Panaji
Panaji, Apr 24: In a fortunate twist of fate, a moment of indecision turned lifesaving for a Goan police officer and his family on vacation in Kashmir. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Shivram Vaigankar and his family had a narrow escape from a terror-related incident in Pahalgam on Tuesday, all thanks to a last-minute change of plans and a reluctant horse ride.
DySP Vaigankar, his wife Shilpa, and their son Shaunak had flown to Srinagar last Saturday to escape the soaring Goan temperatures and bask in the scenic and chilly charm of the Kashmir Valley. After spending a couple of days in Srinagar and a day at Gulmarg, the family opted for a brief visit to the picturesque town of Pahalgam on Tuesday.
Recounting the dramatic turn of events, Vaigankar told, “We reached Pahalgam around 1.30 pm and decided to have lunch after spending some time in a nearby garden. It was around 2.15 pm when we finished eating. My son was keen on taking a horse ride to visit one of the renowned tourist spots, but my wife wasn’t comfortable as we had already experienced horse riding in Gulmarg. While we were still deciding, we suddenly noticed people running down from the hill in panic.”
The family’s hesitation, which initially appeared to be a minor travel hiccup, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “We were stunned and confused, but within moments our taxi driver approached us, urging us to get into the vehicle and leave the area immediately. Something was clearly wrong,” he added.
As panic gripped the area, personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) arrived swiftly and began evacuating civilians. The Vaigankar family, who had unknowingly avoided the site of the incident by a few crucial minutes, were escorted back safely to Srinagar.
Despite the close call, DySP Vaigankar expressed confidence in the local security arrangements. “We’ve decided not to alter our itinerary. We’ll remain in Srinagar until Friday. The presence of security forces here gives us a sense of safety,” he affirmed.
While the exact nature of the incident in Pahalgam is under investigation, the Vaigankar family’s story serves as a sobering reminder of how a simple decision can mean the difference between danger and safety.