When terrorist from The Resistance Front attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in the Pahalgam Valley, they not only targeted visitors but also showed no mercy to a local man, Syed Adil Hussain Shah. The 29-year-old pony handler from Hapatnar village in Anantnag district was killed after he bravely confronted one of the gunmen, asking why they were murdering innocent people. Tragically, he became one of the 26 victims in what is now considered one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times.

Syed Adil was a Kashmiri Muslim who earned a meager living by guiding tourists on horseback from the parking area to the scenic Baisaran meadow—a route only accessible by foot or pony. Despite not owning a pony himself, he worked under a pony owner for daily wages of just Rs. 400-Rs. 500. Life was tough, and he carried the weight of supporting his entire family, including his aging parents, wife, children, and sisters. They lived in humble conditions in Hapatnar, a quiet, remote village about 35 km from Pahalgam, with no financial backup to fall back on.

Those who knew Adil described him as a kind-hearted and courageous man. His sister, Asma, said he was always willing to help anyone in need. Locals remembered him for his selfless nature and said he truly represented the spirit of “Kashmiriyat” — the traditional Kashmiri values of compassion, harmony, and warmth. He stood up to terror with bare hands, trying to protect others, and paid the ultimate price for his bravery.

How Syed Adil Hussain Shah was killed?

Syed Adil Hussain Shah was at Baisaran meadow with his pony on the day the attackers struck. Around 5 to 7 heavily armed terrorists from The Resistance Front, carrying M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles, suddenly opened fire on tourists enjoying the peaceful surroundings of pine forests. The gunmen reportedly singled out non-Muslim visitors by asking their names, checking if they could recite the Kalama, or inspecting for circumcision.

In the middle of this horror, Syed Adil chose to stand up. Reports say he tried to shield the tourist he was guiding and even attempted to wrestle a weapon away from one of the militants during which he was shot several times in the chest.

Syed Adil’s courage has deeply moved people across the region. Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, joined locals in offering fatiha — the final Islamic prayer before burial — as hundreds came together to mourn and pay their respects. The Chief Minister praised Adil’s fearless actions and assured his family of government support.

For many, Syed Adil has become a symbol of “Kashmiriyat.”