Pahalgam attack: Kashmiri pony ride operator killed while trying to disarm militant, save tourist

Anantnag: the case of the deadly attack on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday that left 28 persons dead, inluding a local pony ride operator, who showed bravery as he tried to disarm a militants to save lives.

Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who ferried visitors on horseback to the popular Baisaran meadow — a spot accessible only by foot — was shot dead while attempting to snatch a rifle from one of the gunmen, NDTV reported.

As terrified tourists fled for cover under gunfire, Shah tried to shield the tourist he had escorted to the site. He lost his life in the process, becoming the local resident killed in the attack that left 26 tourists dead.

Shah’s death has left his family in deep grief. He was the sole breadwinner, supporting his elderly parents, wife, and children.

His mother, shattered by the loss of her son, wept inconsolably while expressing fear for the family’s future. The family has appealed for justice and strict punishment for those behind the attack.

His father, Syed Haider Shah, spoke to ANI about the tragic sequence of events. “My son went to Pahalgam yesterday to work, and around 3 pm, we heard about the attack. We called him, but his phone was switched off. Then at 4.40 pm, the phone rang, but no one picked up. We rushed to the police station, and that’s when we were told he had been shot. Whoever is responsible must face the consequences.”

Shah is now being remembered not just as a victim, but as a braveheart who stood up to terror in the face of death — a man who sacrificed his life trying to protect others.

Certainly, here’s the revised background with the use of the word militants:

The Attack

On Tuesday, militants launched a brutal and targeted assault on tourists in the Pahalgam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a region long known for its natural beauty and popular tourist spots.

The attack took place near the Baisaran meadow, a scenic hilltop location accessible only by foot or pony ride.

The sudden and calculated strike triggered chaos, as terrified tourists fled through the forest trails. In total, 26 tourists were killed, making it one of the deadliest militant attacks targeting civilians in the Valley in recent times.

The security agencies suspect the involvement of Pakistan-backed militant groups, and an intensive search operation is underway to locate those behind the carnage.

The incident has sparked outrage across the country and prompted calls for accountability and enhanced security for tourists.

Locals, meanwhile, have condemned the act and mourned the death of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the pony ride operator who tried to confront one of the militants to protect a tourist and was killed in the process.