A year after the deadly Pahalgam attack, the family of Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony operator who died while trying to save tourists, continues to live with deep grief and hardship.
Adil’s widow, Gulnaz Akhtar, says life has become extremely difficult since losing her husband, who was the only earning member of the family. “I was married to Adil for six years. He took care of our entire household. Since his death, life has been hard,” she said.
After the tragedy, Gulnaz moved back to her parents’ home and began working to support herself. She also suffered another personal loss when her infant daughter passed away. “I’m just getting through life somehow. Difficulties are increasing, but what can I do? It’s very hard to live without a partner,” she said.
She explained why she left her in-laws’ house, saying, “When my husband is not there, what would I do staying there?”
The Day That Changed Everything
Recalling April 22, 2025, Gulnaz said it began like any other day. “In the morning, he offered namaz, had tea, ate and left home. By the evening, the news of his death reached us,” she said.
Adil was killed when he tried to snatch a weapon from one of the attackers to protect tourists he had taken to Baisaran meadow. He was the only local among the 26 people killed in the attack.
His brother, Naushad Hussain Shah, said the loss is unbearable but also spoke with pride. “Whenever I remember Adil, it becomes very difficult. But I find some comfort that he died doing something good,” he said.
‘He Could Not Tolerate Injustice’
Family members describe Adil as a kind but strong person who always stood against wrongdoing. “He was soft-hearted but could never tolerate injustice. When he saw innocent people being attacked, he stood up against it. That is when they killed him,” Naushad said.
Their father, Syed Haider Shah, also expressed pride in his son’s sacrifice. “He sacrificed his life for humanity. He did not think about religion or who the tourists were. He just tried to save them,” he said.
He added, “We don’t have a dearth of money now, but he is not with us. That is what hurts the most.”
A Family Struggling to Move Forward
Adil was the eldest son and the backbone of the family. He had been working in Pahalgam since 2010, earning a modest income by ferrying tourists and pilgrims on horseback.
“The entire family depended on him. His word was final at home,” Naushad said.
After his death, the family received financial support from authorities. Gulnaz was given a government job, while Naushad also found employment and later bought a cab to support the family.
The family also received assistance from Eknath Shinde, who helped fund the construction of a new house in their village. “We are thankful to him for his support. He ensured that we get a new house,” Naushad said.
The family plans to move into the new house after Shinde’s expected visit around the anniversary.
‘A Stain on a Peaceful Place’
The attack has left a lasting impact not just on the family but also on the local community in Pahalgam, known for its peaceful tourism.
Naushad called the incident a “stain” on the region. “Such violence was unheard of here. It has brought hardship to locals,” he said.
Despite the pain, Gulnaz says she feels proud of her husband’s final act. “I take immense pride that Adil died saving tourists. I miss him deeply,” she said.
