Anti-Pak slogans raised in Dahanu as bodies arrive

Calls of 'Pakistan murdabaad' rang through Dahanu as the bodies of Usha Sonkar and Nirmala Thakur were brought home on Tuesday. Sonkar and Thakur were two of the 14 pilgrims from the coastal town in Palghar district who went on Amarnath yatra and were killed in a terrorist attack on on Monday.

The families gathered at the Reliance Thermal Power Station's helipad in Dahanu, even as anger and sadness washed over the coastal town. As tribute to the deceased, local shopkeepers downed their shutters and thousands trooped to H K Irani public hall where the bodies lay before making their final journey. Outside, groups chanted 'Pakistan Murdabad' in anger; one stationed itself below Sonkar's apartment building.

Omkar Rawat, a local resident, said, "The government should take some serious steps against the terror attack. There has been many terror incidents in the past few years. The Maharashtra government should raise the issue, and if possible, give financial aid to the victim's family."

The helicopter from the thermal power station travelled to Surat at around 2 pm to bring back the bodies. It was expected to return with the bodies at around 3.30 pm, but was delayed by two hours as officials tried to fit both coffins together. It finally arrived at 5.30 pm.

Union Minister Smriti Irani visited the victims' homes to condole with the family members.