Family mourns Sudeep’s demise in Pahalgam

LUMBINI: Sudeep Neupane from Butwal was killed in a terrorist attack while visiting Jammu and Kashmir, India. Sudeep had reached Baisaran in Pahalgram of India’s Jammu and Kashmir for a family holiday with his mother Reema (Reemkala) Pandey, sister Sushma and brother-in-law Ujjwal Kafle.

According to Indian media reports, a terrorist group suddenly opened fire at the location on Tuesday. Sudeep was shot and died on the spot.

“My nephew, his mother, sister and brother-in-law were holidaying in Jammu and Kashmir. I have been told that terrorists asked them if they were Hindu or Muslim. Sudeep replyied he was Hindu, and he was killed,” Sudeep’s uncle, Tejulal Neupane, a resident of Butwal-14, told Himal Press. “This news has left us deeply devastated.”

Tejulal demanded compensation from the Indian government, stating that his nephew was killed in a terrorist attack for no reason while on a holiday. “I also request the government to facilitate the repatriation of my nephew’s body and ensure the safe return of the family members,” he added.

Sudeep’s ancestral home is at Durga Mandir settlement in Belbhariya of Butwal-14. However, he and his sister were residing with their parents residing at Kalikanagar in Butwal-11.

“I didn’t even know my grandson, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and her husband had gone to Kashmir,” said Sudeep’s 89-year-old grandfather, Khemananda Neupane. “I was performing my morning prayers when my wife told me not to. When I asked what happened, she said our grandson had passed away.”

The news of his unmarried grandson’s death has left Khemananda heartbroken. “Sudeep was born in this house,” he said, pointing to the house. “Later, he moved to Kalikanagar with his mother.”

According to Sudip’s grandmother Sewakali, Sudip had last visited them in November. “He requested to be informed if his mother fell unwell. Now he is no more,” Sewakali (82) told Himal Press. She added that the news of her grandson’s death left her feeling lifeless.

Sudeep’s father, Kaushalraj Neupane, is a community school teacher. He is currently participating in a teachers’ protest in Kathmandu.

The terrorist attack on Tuesday claimed 26 lives.

Sudeep’s mother Reema, sister Sushma and brother-in-law, Ujjwal Kafle, who were on the trip, are safe, according to Dadhiram Neupane, Sudeep’s uncle and ward chairperson of Butwal-14. He added that preparations were underway to bring Sudeep’s body back by Wednesday evening.