Bengaluru/Shivamogga 7 May 

The families of the victims of the Pahalgam attack welcomed the air strikes carried out by Indian armed forces in Pakistan on Wednesday.

Bharath Bhushan from Bengaluru, who was visiting Pahalgam with his wife and three-year-old son, was shot dead by terrorists on 22 April. His wife, Sujatha, and their child survived the attack. Bushan's father Channaveerappa said he heard the news about ‘Operation Sindoor’ at 6am.

"They have attacked and killed, I heard but still some more people are escaping. Government has to take steps to kill them also," he told PTI videos. "The name, 'Operation Sindoor' is correct because they have removed the tilak of many women. That's a good step.”

He added, "They (Pakistan) are sheltering terrorists in their hideouts, giving them money.” 

Bhushan's brother Preetham said the family is still in grief and not able to accept that Bharath is no more with them.  "Somewhere, we feel that Bharath must be around. He would come back. That's what I feel everyday when I wake up. Sometimes I wonder has this really happened to us or it's just a dream? That's the state all of us are in the family."

Sumathi the mother of Manjunath Rao, also a victim, welcomed the air strikes.

She said, it is not a feeling of satisfaction but such things should not happen to others' children.

"We had faith that Modi will take right decision and accordingly he has taken. Nothing should happen to innocents, but those who try to oppress or indulge in roguery against us should not be spared. My son's sacrifice should not go waste," Sumathi said. "It is not a feeling of satisfaction, because my son who has gone won't come back, but such things should not happens to others' children in the future, everyone should be able to travel freely," she added.