`Home they brought their hero dead': How Kashmiri ponywala fought terrorists with bare hands to save tourists

Srinagar: In the valley of death, a nondescript ponywala scripted a new history of courage and bravery.

When terrorists charged at tourists in Baisaran, Adil Shah, caring little for his safety, stood like a rock and tried to snatch a weapon to save his guests. A heartless terrorist shot him in the neck, but not before he made his name in the annals of history.

“No one has talked about Adil. He made us proud. He tried to save tourists regardless of his safety. Yet no television channel talked about him. He died a hero’s death,” said his relative as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Syed Haider Shah, father of Adil, said his son had gone to Pahalgam for work as usual when they received news of the attack around 3 pm on Tuesday.

“When we tried to call him, his phone was unreachable. Fearing the worst, we went to the police station and filed a missing person report. It was only later, upon returning home, that we received confirmation of his death,” he recounted.

Visibly devastated, the family appealed for justice. “He worked tirelessly to support us. We have lost everything. The culprits must be brought to justice, and those involved should be held accountable,” Shah said.

Adil’s mother said her son was their only breadwinner, as his younger siblings were too small to contribute. “Now, we have no earning member in our family,” she lamented.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Adil went out to do his job, but returned in a coffin

“Adil lost his life while trying to save tourists and even attempted to disarm the terrorists, which is why he was targeted and killed,” he said.

“We must take care of Adil's family. I want to assure everyone that we stand with them during this difficult time, and we will do everything possible to support them.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, along with his advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Minister Javed Dar, and MLA Altaf Kuloo, also participated in the funeral on Wednesday afternoon.