‘He died protecting others’: Kashmir pony handler hailed as hero in Pahalgam terror attack

New Delhi: Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony handler at the scenic Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam often referred to as ‘Mini Switzerland’ was among the 26 victims of the brutal terror attack that shook the Kashmir Valley this week. Employed to escort tourists on horseback from the parking area to the lush meadows, Shah’s routine day turned tragic when militants opened fire indiscriminately, targeting visitors in the area.

According to local reports, the attackers singled out tourists based on identity. Amid the chaos, Shah, a Kashmiri Muslim, was reportedly not an intended target. However, he was shot when he tried to protect a tourist and attempted to grab a terrorist’s weapon a final act of courage that cost him his life.

His father, Syed Haider Shah, recounted the harrowing timeline to ANI. “My son had gone to work in Pahalgam. Around 3 pm, we heard about the attack. His phone was off, and when it came on at 4:40 pm, no one answered. We rushed to the police station and were told he had been shot,” he said. “Whoever is responsible must be punished.”

Grieving and inconsolable, Shah’s mother told ANI that he was the family’s sole breadwinner. “Oh Allah, what have you done?” she cried.

Hundreds gathered to bid farewell to the young man, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Expressing sorrow and admiration, Abdullah said, “Our guests had come here to enjoy a vacation they left in coffins. Shah was a hardworking man who went out for work but returned in a coffin. Yet he didn’t die in vain. He showed immense bravery, reportedly attempting to fight back. The administration stands with his family. We will support them in every possible way.”