Bengaluru resident escape attack by stopping for a ice cream

The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, has left a trail of devastation and heartbreak, with tragic consequences for the victims and their families.  Amidst the horror, however, stories of resilience and sheer luck have emerged, highlighting the human spirit's ability to overcome unimaginable adversity. 

One such account comes from Sumana Bhat, a resident of Bengaluru, who, along with 17 colleagues from the  Timex  Group, was visiting the picturesque valley when the attack unfolded.

Their journey, initially filled with anticipation and excitement, took a terrifying turn.  Having been captivated by the region's beauty and the guide's descriptions of the area, the group decided to savor a moment of respite, enjoying ice cream.  This seemingly innocuous pause, however, proved crucial in their escape.  While their colleagues moved ahead, the group lingered.  It was during this brief delay that the security forces intervened, issuing a stern order to retreat.  The swift and decisive action, though terrifying in the moment, ultimately saved lives.

Instead of experiencing the beauty they had anticipated, the group found themselves facing a harrowing ordeal, forced to walk several kilometers back to their hotel.  The journey, fraught with fear and uncertainty, tested their physical and emotional limits.  The image of a group of individuals, initially filled with joy and admiration, transformed into one defined by urgent flight, is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the constant threat of violence.  However, their physical escape was only the first stage of their ordeal.