Pahalgam attack: Meet the Kashmiri guide who risked his life to save 11 tourists

Risking his own life, a 28-year-old Kashmiri tourist guide, Nazakat Ahmad Shah, bravely saved a group of tourists, including children, when terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam on Tuesday (April 22).

Shah was guiding a group of 11 tourists—four couples and three children—from the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district of Chhattisgarh during their Kashmir trip.

Tragically, Shah’s cousin, Adil Hussain, was among the 26 victims killed in the attack, he told PTI during a phone conversation on Thursday (April 24).

Also Read: Pahalgam terror attack: Father gone, Kerala survivor escaped through woods with twins

'Can never repay debt'

One of the tourists, Arvind Agrawal, later shared photos with Shah on social media, expressing heartfelt gratitude. "You saved our lives by risking your own. We will never be able to repay the debt of Nazakat Bhai," he wrote.

According to his Facebook profile, Agrawal is affiliated with the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of BJP.

Alongside Agrawal’s family, the families of Kuldeep Sthapak, Shivansh Jain, and Happy Wadhavan were part of the group.

Shah, who sells shawls in Chirmiri during winters, had known these families for several years.

Also Read: Maharashtra man escapes Pahalgam terror; namesake gets killed in firing

Pahalgam horror

Narrating the sequence of events, Shah said, "They arrived in Jammu on 17 April, and I received them. We toured Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg before heading to Pahalgam, the final destination."

"Pahalgam was to be the last venue as my village is close by, and I wanted to host them because Kashmiris have a passion for hospitality," Shah added.

"We reached Baisaran around noon. The tourists were enjoying pony rides and taking photographs. Around 2 pm, I suggested we leave, but Lucky (Kuldeep) requested a few more minutes for pictures. Just then, we heard what we initially thought were firecrackers, but it soon became clear it was gunfire," Shah recalled.

As panic spread among the thousands of tourists, Shah instinctively prioritised the safety of the tourist families.

Also Read: Bengaluru techie killed in Pahalgam terror attack

Children first

"My first thought was to protect the children. I grabbed Lucky’s child and another and laid them flat on the ground," Shah said.

The area was fenced off, so it was not easy to escape. Spotting a small opening, Shah directed the families to evacuate through it.

At the families’ urging, he carried the two children through the gap first, running towards Pahalgam town.

After ensuring the children’s safety, Shah returned to the site and escorted the remaining family members to safety.

"Thanks to Allah, I was able to bring all 11 guests safely to Pahalgam," he said.

Also Read: People killed after being asked religion; Hindus wouldn't do it: Bhagwat on Pahalgam attack

Personal loss

Adil Hussain, his cousin, was killed in the terror attack, but he could not attend his final rites as he decided to escort the tourists back, Shah said.

"I have known Kuldeep and the others for years, travelling with my father to Chirmiri to sell shawls. I wanted to save my guests even if it meant sacrificing my own life," said Shah, who is a father to two young daughters.

Humanity above all

Moved by Shah’s bravery, Kuldeep Sthapak also shared emotional tributes on social media, posting family photos with Shah.

In a heartfelt message, he wrote in Hindi, "The bravery and passion with which you rescued us amidst the chaos, gunshots, and death is beyond words. The humanity you showed by risking your own life will be remembered forever."

Sthapak, whose wife serves as a BJP corporator in Chirmiri town, voiced his concern for Shah’s well-being, lamenting, "People will debate religion and caste, but who will take care of Nazakat Bhai, who displayed such humanity?"

He recounted how Shah carried a child on his shoulders and ran 14 kilometres through dangerous hills to ensure their safety.

"Nazakat Bhai, you not only saved my life, you kept the flame of humanity alive. I will never forget you for the rest of my life," Sthapak said.

(With agency inputs)