The peaceful town of Pahalgam was shaken by a horrific terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, including local pony handler Syed Adil Hussain Shah. His father, Syed Hyder Shah, has spoken with pride and sorrow about his son’s final heroic act, which ended in his tragic death while trying to protect tourists.
Adil’s Heroic Sacrifice
Adil, the eldest son of the Shah family and the main provider for his household, was killed while bravely shielding tourists from the attackers. Despite the deep pain of his loss, Hyder Shah finds solace in his son’s selflessness. “I am proud of him and his shahadat (sacrifice). I am alive only because of that pride. Otherwise, I would have died the moment I saw his young, lifeless body,” said Hyder, reflecting on the overwhelming loss.
A Day Like Any Other Turns Tragic
Adil’s day began like many others as he set off early to work, guiding tourists on ponies through the scenic meadows of Pahalgam. However, by the afternoon, news of a terrorist attack in the area reached his family. As they desperately tried to contact Adil, their calls went unanswered. A brief signal on his phone came and went, but the family’s worst fears were confirmed when they rushed to the police station and hospital. It was there they learned that Adil had been shot multiple times while attempting to protect tourists and even trying to disarm one of the attackers.
“We got to know around 6 pm that my son and cousin were in a hospital. People who went looking for him informed me about the incident,” Hyder recalled. “Some people were saved because of him, and I am proud of it.”
Heartbreak and Loss
Adil’s mother, devastated by the loss, reflected on the role her son played in their daily life. “He earned ₹300 a day. We’d buy rice in the evening and eat together. Now, who will bring food? Who will bring medicines?” she asked through tears, filled with sorrow and uncertainty about the future.
Yet, even in her grief, she found comfort in the knowledge that her son died a hero. “He died while saving them. But what can we do? They were also our brothers,” she said, displaying remarkable compassion despite her personal tragedy.
Family’s Heartbreak and Local Tributes
The Shah family has been torn apart by the attack. Adil’s sister, Ravisa, shared that her brother had planned to come home early that day, saying he wasn’t feeling well and would take a day off. Tragically, he never returned. “He tried to snatch the gun and save others. Three bullets hit his chest, one in the throat,” she said, recounting the harrowing details of the day.
The local community has hailed Adil as a hero for his bravery. Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, visited the grieving family and praised Adil’s courageous actions. “As I have heard, he (Adil) tried to stop the attack and perhaps even tried to snatch the gun, and that is when he was targeted,” the CM stated. “We have to take care of this family… the government stands with them and we will do whatever we can for them.”
Aftermath and Security Efforts
The attack, one of the deadliest in the region since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, has led to an extensive security operation aimed at tracking down the attackers. Adil’s bravery in the face of such violence has made a lasting impact, not only on his family but on the entire community, as his selflessness continues to resonate in the wake of this tragic event.
