PAHALGAM: Amid the aftermath of the horrific April 18 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the heroic actions of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local Muslim pony handler who died while trying to save tourists, have gone largely unnoticed in the mainstream Indian media.
Yet, for those who knew him and those whose lives he helped save, Adil’s courage has left an indelible mark.
Adil, a man in his early 30s, was among the first to react when gunfire broke out in the crowded tourist zone of Pahalgam. Eyewitness accounts confirm that he attempted to disarm one of the attackers, putting himself in harm’s way to protect others. He was shot and killed in the process.
The attack, which left 26 tourists dead and more than three dozen injured, was carried out by at least four gunmen, according to Indian security officials. No group has claimed responsibility so far. The assault, which took place at close range, has once again ignited political and diplomatic tensions in the region, with conflicting narratives from New Delhi and Islamabad dominating much of the media discourse.
But Adil’s sacrifice tells a different story—one of humanity, courage, and the often-overlooked role of Kashmiris who seek peace.
Despite his bravery and ultimate sacrifice, Adil’s story has not received prominent national coverage. This has drawn criticism from local leaders and civil society members who see his actions as a glaring counter-narrative to the stereotyped portrayal of Kashmiri Muslims as instigators of violence.
Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of IIOJK, who attended Adil’s funeral, acknowledged his bravery: “He tried to stop the attack… We’ve heard he was targeted after trying to disarm one of the terrorists. The government will stand by this family.”
Adil worked as a pony handler, earning around Rs 300 a day, ferrying tourists around the lush green trails of Pahalgam. He had been saving money for his sisters’ weddings, his father, Syed Haider Hussain Shah, told reporters.
“He was a hardworking boy. Everyone here knew his nature. We didn’t even know until evening that he was among the dead,” his father said, overwhelmed with grief.
His cousin, Md Hussain, lamented the silence of major media networks: “This is a blot on Kashmiriyat. People should know who gave their life to save others. He was a Muslim, a Kashmiri, and a hero.”
Adil’s story has become a symbol in his hometown—not only of bravery but of the enduring dignity of ordinary Kashmiris amid decades of conflict. His selfless act challenges the dominant media portrayal that often links Kashmiri Muslims with militancy or terrorism.
The broader geopolitical context of the region, already volatile, has further complicated the situation. Following the attack, Indian authorities increased their military presence in the region, while Pakistani officials warned against using the incident as a pretext for “unilateral aggression.”
Kashmir, a region disputed since 1947, remains one of the world’s most militarized zones. India and Pakistan have fought three full-scale wars over the territory, and skirmishes along the Line of Control (LoC) continue to this day.
Since 1989, an armed resistance movement has emerged in IIOJK, with many locals demanding independence or unification with Pakistan. India brands this as terrorism, while Pakistan and a considerable section of the Kashmiri population view it as a legitimate freedom struggle.
The conflict has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, militants, and security forces. In 2019, India revoked Article 370 of its Constitution, stripping the region of its limited autonomy and splitting it into two union territories—moves widely criticized by Pakistan and international observers.
Adil’s sacrifice, however, transcends the lines drawn by geopolitics. His story has become a quiet but powerful reminder of the complex humanity within Kashmir. He was not aligned with any faction, nor did he seek the spotlight. His only weapon was a selfless instinct to protect life, even at the cost of his own.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of yet another tragedy, the question remains: will voices like Adil’s finally be heard?
