Pahalgam attack: How Adil Hussain, a local horse rider, gave his life to save tourists

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that a local horse rider named Adil Hussain was killed in the Pahalgam terror attack while trying to save tourists.

 

Speaking to reporters, Omar said the attack was so terrible that words were not enough to condemn it.

 

“We send our deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed or hurt,” he said. “Tourists had come here from across the country to enjoy their holidays, but sadly, many are now going home in coffins.”

 

Adil, a young man from Pahalgam, worked as a horse rider to earn a living. “He had gone out to do his daily work, but sadly returned in a coffin,” the chief minister said.

 

Omar praised Adil’s bravery, saying he tried to protect the tourists and even tried to take a gun from the attackers. “That’s why he was targeted and killed,” he added.

 

He promised full support to Adil’s family. “We must help his family now. I want to assure everyone that we stand with them in this tough time and will do everything possible to support them,” Omar said.

 

Omar, along with hundreds of residents, attended Adil’s funeral in Pahalgam on Wednesday afternoon.

 

Militants shot to death at least 26 tourists from 12 different states in Baisaran, a popular meadow near Pahalgam that visitors reach on foot or by pony.

 

Eyewitnesses said the militants arrived around 2:45 pm at Baisran, separated men from the women and children, and then started shooting the men.

 

The attack was strongly condemned by all political parties, including Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

 

A complete shutdown is being observed across Jammu and Kashmir. Shops and schools are closed, and roads are empty as vehicles remain off the streets.

India