Remembering unsung heroes

While the dastardly terror attack in the mini-Switzerland (Baisaran) in Pahalgam has shaken the nation, the extraordinary act of selflessness was witnessed from Syed Adil Shah, a young local, who laid down his life while saving the lives of terrified tourists during a cowardly attack. His courage and that of other locals, who braved bullets to usher visitors to safety, has illuminated the darkest of nights with the brightest light of humanity. Syed Adil Shah did not wear a uniform. He was not armed. He was not trained for combat. Yet, in those critical moments, he became a shield between life and death for strangers, who had come to experience the beauty of Kashmir. While panic gripped the area, Adil ran toward danger—not away from it—choosing courage over fear, compassion over self-preservation. He is not just a local hero; he is a national one. And he was not alone. As bullets flew and terror sought to sow fear, several residents of Pahalgam put their lives at risk to guide the stranded tourists to safety. Their only weapons were empathy, humanity, and an unyielding commitment to protect their guests, true to the spirit of Kashmiriyat—a deep-rooted tradition of communal harmony and hospitality that no act of terror can erase. It is important that we, as a nation, do not let these acts of valour go unnoticed or be buried under headlines of violence. The story of Syed Adil Shah must be told in every corner of the country—not just to mourn his loss, but to honor his bravery. The government must not only recognize Syed Adil Shah posthumously with the highest civilian bravery award but also provide unwavering support to his family.