In a tragic yet heroic turn of events, 30-year-old pony operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah sacrificed his life while protecting tourists during a brutal terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Shah, known in the local community as a “ponywallah,” was fatally shot while attempting to disarm one of the terrorists who began indiscriminately firing at tourists near the popular Baisaran meadow. Eyewitnesses reported that Shah courageously confronted the attackers and even tried to snatch a weapon before being shot three times in the chest. His act of bravery was later confirmed by a survivor who conveyed the account to Shah’s grieving family.
Hundreds of mourners, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, attended Shah’s funeral in his native village of Hapatnard. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow and admiration, calling Shah the “sole breadwinner of his family” and a true hero whose sacrifice will be remembered forever. The village was overcome with grief and pride as residents carried his mortal remains through the streets, hailing him as a symbol of courage and selflessness in the face of terror.
In response to the attack, the Indian government took a firm diplomatic stand. Pakistan’s top envoy in New Delhi was summoned, and a Persona Non Grata notice was issued to all its military attachés. India also made the unprecedented decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, signaling a turning point in Indo-Pak relations. Additionally, Pakistani nationals under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme were ordered to leave within 48 hours. These decisive moves underline India’s resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and honor those who pay the ultimate price defending innocent lives.
