Pahalgam terror attack: J&K honours pony handler who died saving tourists

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday posthumously honoured Adil Hussain Shah , a local pony handler from Pahalgam , who lost his life while trying to save tourists during the terror attack in Baisaran Valley in April 2025.

Shah, a resident of Hapatnar village , earned his livelihood by taking tourists on horseback to Baisaran Valley , a popular meadow near Pahalgam. He was accompanying visitors in the area when Pakistani terrorists opened fire on April 22 , triggering panic among tourists.

Officials said that as the attack began, Shah attempted to alert tourists and help them escape the firing . He confronted the attackers and was shot dead in the process , becoming the only local civilian to die while trying to protect visitors.

The attack claimed the lives of 26 people , most of them tourists, and left the country in shock.

In recognition of his courage, the state government announced a posthumous award , which includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and a citation .

The government also announced state honours for several others from different fields, though officials said the awards were aimed at recognising acts of exceptional bravery and public service.

Shah’s sacrifice has since come to symbolise the courage of ordinary civilians caught in acts of terror. His actions, officials said, reflected humanity and compassion beyond identity, reminding the nation that terror has no religion, only victims and those brave enough to stand against it.