Pahalgam attack: Kashmiri residents who risked their lives for tourists
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The Pahalgam terror attack's perpetrators might have sought to spread hatred under the guise of religion, but the local Kashmiri people showed on that very day that humanity transcends all. Risking their safety, many local people protected tourists, shielding them from gunfire, hugging them to provide protection, escorting them to safer transport options, and more. Here are a few residents whose selflessness deserves to be applauded.
Syed Adil Hussain Shah – The pony handler
The 28-year-old pony handler from Pahalgam was the only Muslim who died in the Pahalgam attack. He was the sole breadwinner of his family and earned around Rs 400 per day as daily wages. But nothing stopped him from confronting attackers to protect the tourists he was guiding. He even tried to wrestle a gun from a militant and was shot multiple times during the act. J&K CM Omar Abdullah also attended the locals in the final prayers before his burial.
Nazakat Ahmed Shah, the guide
Arvind Agarwal, a BJP youth wing worker from Chhattisgarh, recently credited the local guide Nazakat Ahmed Shah, saying that he saved the tourists, even when his cousin was shot dead while trying to stop attackers. The 28-year-old guide shielded Aravind, his four-year-old daughter and his wife by providing them cover amid the attack. Apparently, he hugged Aravind's little daughter and his friend's son too to protect them from militants. Aravind also credited the locals who gave his wife clothes, as her's were torn.
Musafir and Sameer, Kashmiri drivers
Kochi-based N Ramachandran lost his life in the attack, but his daughter Arathi R Menon acknowledged the support she received from the local people during the ordeal. She mentioned the names of Musafir and Sameer, two drivers who accompanied them and helped like brothers. They even assisted the family with logistics and facilitated their escape from Pahalgam.
The unsung guides, ponywallahs and local people
While the tourists could recall the names of only a few who helped them, they didn't forget to mention how many guides, local individuals and ponywallahs of the region hid tourists behind trees, fences, horses and more, at personal risk, representing the spirit of 'Kashmiriyat,' their hospitality, compassion and kindness.