• Mou Mou
• 26 Apr, 2025

In a heartfelt move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced ₹10 lakh compensation, monthly pensions and job support for the families of three tourists and a soldier killed in the Pahalgam terror attack and a related Udhampur encounter in April 2025. The victims, Bitan Adhikari, Sameer Guha, Manish Ranjan Mishra and soldier Jhantu Sheikh hailed from Bengal leaving their families in grief. Mamata’s aid package including medical support and monthly allowances is winning praise on X and beyond. Here’s the full story of compassion amid tragedy.

Details & Context

The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22nd, 2025 in Jammu and Kashmir’s South Kashmir shook India, claiming 26 lives including three West Bengal tourists: Bitan Adhikari, Sameer Guha and Manish Ranjan Mishra. The militants targeted Hindu tourists, sparking nationwide outrage. Separately, in Udhampur, a fierce encounter between security forces and terrorists resulted in the martyrdom of West Bengal soldier Jhantu Sheikh. These losses hit Bengal hard, prompting swift action from the state government.

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Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a comprehensive aid package for the victims’ families. Each of the four families will receive ₹10 lakh in compensation, split equally between the deceased’s spouse (₹5 lakh) and parents (₹5 lakh). For Bitan Adhikari’s family additional support includes a ₹10,000 monthly pension for his father and medical coverage under the Swasthya Sathi scheme for his parents. Mamata personally spoke with Bitan’s parents to ensure their well-being, a gesture highlighted on X by @BengalCares.

Jhantu Sheikh’s wife will receive a government job as a special case, ensuring financial stability. Additionally, Beleghata East MLA Ratna Chattopadhyay pledged ₹12,000 monthly for Bitan’s parents’ medical expenses, starting Friday, April 25th, 2025. X posts from @WBUpdates and @MamataSupport praise Mamata’s quick response, with users sharing images of her meeting with affected families, amplifying the story’s reach.

Quotes

·      “We’re ensuring full support for the families. Bitan’s parents will get a pension and medical aid,” said Mamata Banerjee, as quoted by @BengalNewsX on X.

·      “Mamata di’s compassion is unmatched. ₹10 lakh and a job for Jhantu’s wife show Bengal cares,” posted @TMCVoice on X.

·      “Losing my son in Pahalgam broke us. Mamata’s help gives us hope,” said Bitan’s father, per local media.

·      “Ratna Chattopadhyay’s ₹12,000 monthly aid for Bitan’s parents is a lifeline,” shared @KolkataCares on X.

Additional Information

The Pahalgam attack, one of the deadliest in recent years targeted tourists in a popular Kashmir destination, escalating India-Pakistan tensions. Web reports from The Hindu and India Today detail the attack’s brutality, with militants verifying victims’ identities before firing. Jhantu Sheikh’s martyrdom in Udhampur, reported by ANI, occurred during a related counter-terror operation, highlighting Bengal’s sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.

Mamata’s aid package reflects West Bengal’s tradition of supporting tragedy-stricken families. The Swasthya Sathi scheme, covering medical costs, and job provisions for martyrs’ kin are hallmarks of her administration, as noted on X by @BengalPride. The ₹10 lakh compensation aligns with past state responses, like aid for 2023 Balasore train accident victims, per Times of India archives. Ratna Chattopadhyay’s personal contribution underscores local leaders’ involvement, a point trending on X under #BengalHelps.

Key Details of the Aid Package

·      Date Announced: April 25th, 2025

·      Victims: Bitan Adhikari, Sameer Guha, Manish Ranjan Mishra (Pahalgam attack), Jhantu Sheikh (Udhampur encounter)

·      Compensation: ₹10 lakh per family (₹5 lakh for spouse, ₹5 lakh for parents)

·      Additional Aid: ₹10,000 pension for Bitan’s father, Swasthya Sathi medical coverage, job for Jhantu’s wife, ₹12,000 monthly for Bitan’s parents’ medicine

·      Source: West Bengal Government, Mamata Banerjee, Ratna Chattopadhyay

Read More: Boycott Pakistan | Delhi Traders Boycott Pakistan After Pahalgam Attack, Shut Down ₹10,000 Crore Trade

Impact Analysis

Mamata’s aid package has profound effects on the families and Bengal’s image,

·      Positive Impacts

o    Financial Relief: The ₹10 lakh compensation and pensions provide immediate support, easing economic burdens as praised on X by @WBSolidarity.

o    Emotional Support: Mamata’s personal outreach and job provisions restore hope with @BengalHearts calling it “a healing touch.”

o    National Recognition: The swift response boosts Bengal’s reputation for compassionate governance, trending on X with #MamataCares.

·      Negative Impacts

o    Ongoing Grief: Financial aid cannot erase the families’ loss with Bitan’s mother reportedly inconsolable, per local media.

o    Security Concerns: The attack may deter Bengal tourists from visiting Kashmir, impacting travel plans, as discussed on X by @TravelSafeIndia.

o    Political Scrutiny: Some X users like @CriticX question if the aid is sufficient compared to central government packages, sparking debates.

The package sets a precedent for state-led support in terror-related tragedies, reinforcing Mamata’s leadership. However, the attack’s ripple effects including fear among Bengal’s travellers, highlight the need for enhanced security a topic trending on X with #StopTerror.

The Pahalgam terror attack and Udhampur encounter left West Bengal mourning but Mamata Banerjee’s ₹10 lakh compensation, pensions and job support for the victims’ families offer a beacon of hope. By ensuring financial aid, medical care and employment Mamata has shown Bengal’s heart in a time of crisis. The personal touch of leaders like Ratna Chattopadhyay adds warmth to this response. As the families rebuild this story of resilience and support inspires a nation. With social media amplifying the message, it’s a reminder that compassion can shine through tragedy. Stay connected for more updates.

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