Braveheart from Pahalgam risks life to save 11 tourists

ANANTNAG — In an extraordinary act of courage and compassion, Nazakat Ahmad Shah, a 28-year-old resident of Halwan Ganiegund in Pahalgam, risked his life on Tuesday to rescue 11 tourists from Chhattisgarh who were caught in crossfire at Baisaran, Pahalgam.

Speaking to the news agency KNO, Nazakat, a tourist guide, said the group of 11 tourists, including three children, arrived in Kashmir on the 17th of this month.

“We welcomed them at Jammu and explored every corner of Kashmir, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Srinagar. Finally, we brought them to Pahalgam, as we had promised to show them the true hospitality of our region,” he said.

On Tuesday, Nazakat recounted how they enjoyed their time at Baisaran until they suddenly heard gunfire, initially mistaking it for firecrackers. “However, as the firing continued, everyone dropped to the ground to protect themselves,” he said.

In a moment of bravery, Shah spotted a gap in the boundary around Baisaran and carried three children in his arms, urging the other tourists to follow him. “While the firing was happening, I tried to call home to speak to my children one last time, but the network was too weak,” he said.

Despite the chaos, Nazakat successfully led the group out of Baisaran Park and rushed them to a hotel in Pahalgam for safety. On Wednesday, he assisted them in reaching Srinagar Airport, where they boarded a flight home safely.

Tragically, during the attack, a pony rider named Aadil Shah, who was Nazakat’s cousin, lost his life. “I couldn’t attend the last rites because my first priority was getting the guests home safely,” he said.

Nazakat said the people of Kashmir are united against such acts of violence and are calling for an investigation into the incident and action against those responsible.

Kashmir incomplete without tourists, says Sajad, who saved an injured visitor

“Kashmir is incomplete without the arrival of tourists; their presence lights up the lamps in our homes,” said Sajad Ahmad, a youth from Ganeshbal area of Pahalgam, who heroically carried an injured tourist on his back to a hospital following the recent attack.

Speaking to the news agency KNO, Sajad recounted the harrowing events after the attack. He said that after receiving information from the Pony Association President via a WhatsApp group about the incident, he and his companions rushed to the scene, aware that many tourists were in Baisaran at the time.

Upon arrival, he was confronted with a scene of chaos and devastation. “We first gave water to the tourists and then began to lift the injured who were unable to move,” Sajad said, describing how he helped several injured individuals by carrying them to safety.

Sajad said humanity should prevail. “What we did was based purely on humanity,” he said. His selfless actions have captured the attention of many, as a video of him carrying an injured tourist has gone viral on social media, earning widespread admiration.

“I didn’t care about my own safety,” Sajad recalled, his voice filled with emotion. “When we got there, everyone was pleading for help, crying out in anguish. It brought tears to my eyes as well.”

He highlighted the critical role that tourists play in the local economy, saying, “Kashmir is incomplete without them. Their arrival ensures that our homes are filled with light.”

Sajad said that local hoteliers, cab drivers, shop owners, pony walas and guides depend on tourism for their livelihoods. “We must do everything possible to ensure the tourism sector is not negatively impacted. The government must take immediate steps to protect this vital industry,” he added, urging both the people and authorities to prioritise a safe and welcoming environment for tourists.