Pahalgam Ponywalas Association president led rescue efforts after the carnage. He recounts his experience 

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: In a remarkable show of community solidarity and swift action, Waheed Ahmad, the President of the Ponywalas Association, emerged as a local hero following a tragic incident in the Bairsan area. His quick mobilisation of help was crucial in rescuing and transporting injured individuals during the emergency.

Eyewitness accounts, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), describe the chaos that erupted in Bairsan after an unexpected incident resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Waheed Ahmad was the first to receive a call from the police around 2:35 pm. Taking a shortcut, he reached the scene 15 minutes ahead of the authorities.

“I was the first to enter Bairsan Park, coming from Pahalgam to rescue people, and there was chaos everywhere,” he recounted.

Acting swiftly, Ahmad sent out an urgent message to his fellow ponywalas, urging them to gather at Bairsan to assist in transporting the injured to the nearest hospital. Within minutes, dozens of pony handlers brought their ponies and manpower to the rugged hills where the incident had occurred.

“There were dozens of women screaming and pleading for help to save their husbands, and as I started reaching them one by one, I found that many had already died,” he said somberly.

Amid chaos, Waheed provided water to those who were injured and tried to reassure them that they would be alright until more help arrived.

With additional ponywalas arriving on the scene, the injured were carefully transported through the difficult terrain and handed over to medical teams waiting for their treatment. “We rescued at least 13 injured tourists in critical condition and took them to the hospital,” he said.

During the incident, approximately 300 tourists were in the vicinity, and Waheed said his team helped guide them to safer locations in the wake of the emergency.

Both locals and officials have praised the Ponywalas Association for their courageous response and community spirit.

Waheed Ahmad expressed, “In such moments, we cannot wait for instructions—we must act. I’m proud of my fellow ponywalas who didn’t hesitate to help.”—(KNO)