Wife of Surat Terror Victim Slams Government: “Kashmir Is Not the Problem, Our Government Is”
Surat, April 24 — In a heart-wrenching and furious outburst, Sheetalben, the grieving wife of Shailesh Kalathiya—one of the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir—blamed the government and its hollow security claims for her husband’s tragic death. The incident, which took place on April 22, claimed the lives of three Gujarati tourists, including Shailesh, who was visiting with his family.
Funeral Turns into Protest Against Government Negligence
During Shailesh’s funeral procession in Surat on Thursday, which saw large attendance, Central Minister C.R. Patil arrived to offer condolences. However, he was met with a fierce protest from Sheetalben, who held him—and the system he represents—accountable for the loss of her husband.
“Leaders Fly in Helicopters, But We Had No Help”
“Leaders travel in helicopters funded by taxpayers’ money, but when it comes to the common man’s safety, there is nothing,” she said with raw emotion. “Where was the army? Where was the police? There were no facilities, no medical aid. We screamed for help but no one came.”
No Presence of Security Forces at Tourist Sites
She painted a grim picture of the attack and its aftermath, exposing the glaring lack of preparedness in a region frequented by tourists. “There were lakhs of soldiers in Kashmir, but at tourist spots, not a single one. One soldier even had the audacity to ask us why we went there in the first place.”
“All VIP Security is Paid by Our Taxes – What About Us?”
Sheetalben, addressing the minister directly, said, “You have a convoy of cars, helicopters overhead when you travel. All this runs on our taxes, doesn’t it? Then why are there no services for us?”
Dreams of Her Children Now Uncertain
The widow spoke not only for herself but also for all the victims. “My children have dreams—my son wants to be an engineer, my daughter a doctor. Who will support them now? What justice will they get?”
Politicians Tried to Silence Her, But She Refused
As other political leaders tried to interrupt her speech, Sheetalben refused to be silenced. “You must listen to us now. You come later only to take photos and give statements. Where were you when we needed you?”
Government’s Promises Are Hollow, Says Sheetalben
She went on to criticize the government’s response and the false promises of help. “You keep saying ‘we will help’, but nothing is done. We don’t even know if the injured got proper hospital facilities.”
“Kashmir Is Not the Problem – The System Is Broken”
Her most powerful statement, however, resonated deeply: “You blame Kashmir, but the problem is not Kashmir. The problem is our own government and its failed security system. If even the army asks why we visit tourist spots, who can we rely on?”
Final Plea: “Don’t Vote for a Government That Can’t Protect Us”
Concluding her fiery speech, she said, “Don’t give votes to a government like this. If they can’t protect their own people, they don’t deserve our trust.”
