Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a 28-year-old Muslim pony ride operator from Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, tragically lost his life on April 22, 2025, during a terrorist attack in the Baisaran meadow. He was among the 26 victims killed when militants opened fire on tourists.
According to reports, Shah attempted to protect a tourist by trying to wrest a rifle from one of the attackers. Eyewitnesses stated that the assailants asked victims to recite Islamic verses before opening fire, reportedly selecting targets based on their responses. Shah was the only local civilian among those killed in the attack .
Shah was the sole breadwinner for his family, and his act of bravery has been widely recognized. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was seen consoling Shah’s father during the funeral, acknowledging his heroism in attempting to thwart the attack .
The incident has drawn attention to the safety of tourists in the region, with calls for increased security measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
