Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Amid the serene meadows of Baisaran in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, two men named Adil found themselves on opposite ends of a horrifying terror attack — one became a symbol of terror, the other a symbol of courage.
On Tuesday, 26 civilians, including one Nepali tourist, lost their lives in one of the most brutal terror strikes in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama incident. Among the chaos and bloodshed, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony operator, lost his life trying to protect the very tourists he served.
A Local Hero’s Last Act of Bravery
Adil Shah, just 28, was the sole breadwinner for his family. Witnesses say when gunfire erupted, he didn’t run. Instead, he helped tourists take cover and even attempted to disarm one of the attackers. He was shot in the chest and throat.
His grieving family in Pahalgam said they only learned of his death hours later. “He earned ₹300 a day. That’s how we bought rice and medicines. Now who will feed us?” cried his mother. His younger sister recalled he had planned to rest the next day.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who attended the funeral, assured full support from the government, calling Adil a martyr who acted with unparalleled courage.
The Man Behind the Gun
In stark contrast was Adil Hussain Thoker, named by the police as one of the key suspects in the attack. A former resident of Bijbehara, Thoker allegedly crossed into Pakistan in 2018 and returned last year, aiding LeT’s foreign operatives.
Alongside Pakistani nationals Hashim Musa (alias Suleman) and Ali Bhai (alias Talha Bhai), Thoker is believed to have orchestrated the ambush. Authorities have released sketches and offered ₹20 lakh for credible information leading to their arrest.
Security forces today demolished Thoker’s house, as well as that of co-accused Asif Sheikh.
India’s Stern Retaliation
India’s response to the massacre was swift and severe:
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Indus Water Treaty suspended.
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Attari-Wagah border closed for trade and transit.
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All Pakistani visas revoked, with a 72-hour deadline for exit.
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Military and diplomatic ties are being reassessed.
Security operations have intensified across south Kashmir to track down the remaining attackers.
