Srinagar, India: In a harrowing incident on April 22, when terror struck the otherwise serene Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, a group of brave locals emerged as unsung heroes. These individuals, mostly ponywallahs who earn a livelihood by ferrying tourists, displayed incredible courage and selflessness, rushing into danger to save lives without regard for their own safety. As the tourism sector in Jammu and Kashmir faces uncertainty heightened by the specter of terrorism, it is essential to shed light on these remarkable individuals whose heroic deeds often go unnoticed.
Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How?
The story revolves around the locals of Pahalgam, including Sajjad Ahmed Bhatt, who gained widespread recognition when a video showcasing him carrying a wounded tourist to safety went viral. The attack occurred in the idyllic Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist destination, where gunfire erupted, leaving many tourists in panic. The incident unfolded on April 22, during a time when the region had just begun to welcome back visitors post-pandemic. The attack not only threatened lives but also jeopardized the fragile tourism sector that is crucial for the local economy.
Despite the chaos and fear, local heroes like Sajjad and others rushed to assist injured tourists, showing remarkable bravery. “It was a scary sight. Children and women were screaming for help. I did not care for my life. For me, even the tourists are my family. Rescuing them was our responsibility,” remarked Sajjad, a sentiment echoed by many others who were present during the incident. They played a crucial role in getting the injured to safety, proving that humanity remains resilient even in the face of terror.
The first response came swiftly. Abdul Majeed, another ponywallah, described how a message was disseminated via their WhatsApp group at approximately 3 PM, urging everyone to rush to Baisaran. “One Sajjad went viral, but there were hundreds of Sajjads who risked their lives to save others,” he highlighted, emphasizing the collective heroism that emerged from the local community during that tragic day.
Personal Accounts of Courage and Resolve
As the situation escalated, the locals, driven by an innate sense of duty and camaraderie, began making their way to Baisaran. Raees Ahmed, the president of the ponywallah association, recalled the gory scene he encountered. “I saw a dead body and felt it was my last day. A woman approached me for help. ‘Save my husband,’ she cried. We took her to the gate and assured her the rest would be taken to the hospital,” he shared, reflecting on the chaos and fear surrounding the attack.
Among the fallen was Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a 28-year-old pony guide who lost his life while attempting to save tourists. This tragic loss underscored the monumental risks local guides faced to protect visitors. “If the fencing were not there, many more Adils would have jumped to rescue the tourists,” Raees lamented. The incident remains etched in their memories, a black day they vow to observe each year.
Despite the trauma and distress, these locals remain committed to their roles as protectors of tourists. Nissar Ahmed Bhatt, another ponywallah, expressed, “We are still shaken. We can’t describe it in words. I appeal to tourists: come to Kashmir and see our hospitality. We stand here for you.” His heartfelt plea is a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit.
A Unified Stand Against Terrorism
The impact of the attack extends beyond personal experiences; it reverberates through the local community, emphasizing the unity among the diverse inhabitants of Pahalgam. Narendra Singh, a local restaurant owner, shared his emotional turmoil post-attack, stating, “We are god-fearing people. We serve tourists like we serve our gods. I am mentally disturbed.” His words reflect a shared sentiment among locals: a profound commitment to service, regardless of religious differences.
Raees Ahmed characterized the attack as a grave affront to humanity, calling it a “murder of humanity.” His plea for tourists not to change their travel plans serves as a rallying cry, encapsulating the fierce determination of the locals to continue welcoming visitors amid adversity. Sajjad, echoing this sentiment, encouraged fellow Indians: “You need not be afraid. You come to Kashmir; we stand with you.”
The overall message resonates deeply: the Pahalgam community stands united against the actions of a few who seek to instill fear. Their collective response underscores a shared humanity and a refusal to let terrorism disrupt their way of life.
Building Bridges Through Hospitality
The unfortunate events of that day urge all involved to reflect on the importance of tourism for Pahalgam and the broader Jammu and Kashmir region. As per the report by The Hindu, the attack threatens to impact the new wave of tourism that was just beginning to flourish as travel restrictions lifted. However, the resilience demonstrated by the locals offers a glimmer of hope.
The heartfelt messages from the locals to the tourists embody their resilience and commitment to hospitality. As they strive to rebuild trust and maintain their community’s spirit, it becomes imperative for tourists to recognize and appreciate the courage and sacrifices of the Pahalgam heroes.
Despite the looming threats and fear, the message from those on the ground remains clear: They refuse to surrender to fear, advocating for peace and goodwill. The Pahalgam community has stood against the tide of adversity, demonstrating that love and compassion can thrive even in the darkest of times.
To read more about the resilience of local communities in tourism hotspots, visit our coverage of the Pahalgam Tourism Resilience or explore the Heroic Locals of Pahalgam series. These stories not only capture the essence of human courage but highlight the importance of standing together in times of crisis.
DISCLAIMER
We have taken every measure to ensure that the information in this article and on our social media platforms is accurate, verified, and obtained from reliable sources. For feedback or complaints, please contact us at info@hamslive.com.