In the shadow of Pahalgam tragedy, Adil Shah’s sacrifice, Kashmir’s culture of humanity shine bright

By: Bisma Nazir (Ziraat Times)

Srinagar — Even as Kashmir and the larger country grapple with the horror of the recent terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives, stories of extraordinary courage and compassion have emerged from the valley — showcasing the unyielding spirit of the Kashmiri people.

Among the many heroes was Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a young pony wallah and the sole breadwinner of his family. On that fateful Tuesday, as gunfire shattered the calm of the Baisaran meadows, Adil did not flee. Instead, he confronted the terrorists head-on, reportedly attempting to disarm one of them to protect the tourists he had just ferried on horseback. He was fatally shot in the process.

“Hours later, we learned that he had been shot. My son was martyred. He was innocent, and he supported all of us,” said his grieving father, Syed Haider Shah, speaking to ANI.

Adil’s courage has earned him widespread admiration and solemn tributes. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited Pahalgam to attend Adil’s funeral, praised the young man’s selfless sacrifice. “Adil’s extraordinary bravery and ultimate sacrifice will be forever etched in our memories. His selfless act of heroism will never be forgotten,” he wrote in a statement.

But Adil was not alone in his bravery. As the violence erupted, dozens of Kashmiri pony wallahs, food vendors, local guides, and workers rushed to help terrified tourists. Eyewitnesses say that local men carried tourists — some injured and others too shaken to move — on their backs and shoulders to safety. In scenes that echoed the best of humanity, unarmed civilians put their lives at risk to save those of strangers.

“Even in chaos, they didn’t think twice. They shielded us, calmed our children, gave us water, and walked miles to help us reach safety,” said a tourist who was present during the attack.

In the aftermath, local hotels opened their doors, offering free food and shelter to stranded visitors. From the dusty mountain trails to the guest houses and langars, the spirit of Kashmiri hospitality stood unbroken.

While the Pahalgam carnage remains a grim reminder of the persistent threats to peace in Kashmir, the heroism displayed by locals has sparked a wave of respect and admiration across the country.

Their actions have reminded the world of the never ending compassion that continues to define the people of Kashmir — even in the darkest of times.