Adil of Pahalgam shot dead while trying to snatch rifle from militants to save tourists

In a horrific militant attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, at least 26 people, including two Nepali nationals, were killed, and 10 others were injured. The deceased include residents from West Bengal, Karnataka, Haryana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Odisha.

Among those killed, the death of 25-year-old Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local horseman from Pahalgam, has especially moved the people of India. Adil was gunned down while bravely trying to snatch a rifle from the attackers in an attempt to save the lives of the tourists.

The heart-wrenching image of the wife of 26-year-old Navy Lieutenant Vinay Narwal sitting beside his lifeless body has shaken the nation. Vinay had taken his newlywed wife on a honeymoon trip to Kashmir after their wedding on April 16.

The militant group The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Most of the militants involved were reportedly foreigners.

Baisaran in Pahalgam, famously known as "Mini Switzerland" of Kashmir, is a top destination for tourists. Tragically, on Tuesday (April 22), this picturesque land witnessed one of the deadliest terror attacks since Pulwama. According to eyewitnesses, militants fired nearly 40 rounds, deliberately targeting tourists based on their religious identity.

Adil Hussain Shah’s family lives in deep poverty. During the tourist season, they count the days in hope of visitors. In the paradise of Kashmir, Adil’s job was to bring joy to tourists—taking them on horseback rides to the scenic Baisaran.

Eyewitnesses to the killing of this young horseman described the moment: there was laughter, fun, and happiness all around. Tourists were scattered across Baisaran—some enjoying bhelpuri, others busy snapping selfies, and many capturing the heavenly beauty of the place with their cameras. But in an instant, everything changed. The joyful atmosphere turned into a nightmare.

Eyewitnesses to the killing of the young horseman said the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and excitement. Tourists were scattered across Baisaran—some enjoying bhelpuri, others busy taking selfies, and many capturing the breathtaking beauty of this paradise on camera. But in a split second, the entire scene changed.

According to accounts from eyewitnesses, the attackers asked about the tourists' religion and, after confirming it, targeted and killed only the Hindu visitors.

Adil Hussain Shah was present at the scene during the attack. He had brought tourists from a nearby parking area to Baisaran. As the gunfire broke out, many ran in panic to save their lives. But Adil did not flee. Instead, he bravely confronted the militants. In a desperate attempt to save the tourists, he tried to snatch a rifle from the attackers. However, even though he was a Muslim, the militants did not spare him. The young Kashmiri's body was riddled with bullets.

Adil’s family is devastated by his death. He was the sole breadwinner of the household, and now his grieving relatives are left uncertain about how they will survive the days to come.

Adil's father mentioned that, like any other day, his son had gone to work. Around 3pm, they heard that shots were fired in Baisaran. They immediately called Adil, but his phone was switched off. In the evening, they went to the police station and were devastated to learn of their son's death. Adil's family is demanding severe punishment for the perpetrators.

The innocent tourists became targets of the militants who emerged from the forest near Baisaran, indiscriminately firing upon them. The horrific attack has left the entire nation shaken, with eyewitness accounts sending chills down the spine. In protest of this brutal massacre, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have taken to the streets. Adil's family, too, is seeking justice and punishment for the criminals. However, with the loss of the sole breadwinner, the family is now plunged into darkness, and even the neighbors are deeply worried about their future.

The innocent tourists were caught in the indiscriminate firing of militants who emerged from the forest near Baisaran. Eyewitness accounts of this horrific attack have sent a shiver down the spine of the entire nation. In protest of this barbaric massacre, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have taken to the streets. Adil's family also seeks justice and punishment for the criminals. However, with the loss of the only breadwinner in the poor family, the family has been plunged into darkness, and even the neighbours are deeply concerned about their future.