Kashmir Impulse Desk
Anantnag, April 21
Authorities on Tuesday handed over a newly built house to the family of a pony operator who was killed while trying to save tourists during last year’s deadly attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, officials said.
The house for the family of Syed Adil Shah was inaugurated via video link by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who had earlier announced financial assistance and pledged to build a home for the family.
Shah was killed on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran meadows when he attempted to rescue tourists during an attack that left 25 people dead and several others injured.
A delegation of Maharashtra ministers and leaders from the Shiv Sena attended the ceremony in Hapatnar village near Aishmuqam in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, marking the first anniversary of the attack.
State cabinet ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Yogesh Kadam were present at the event, while Shinde joined virtually.
Shinde praised Shah’s actions, describing him as a “national hero” who sacrificed his life to save others.
“Words fall short of describing his valour. He rose above divisions of caste and religion,” Shinde said, adding that the house was a gesture of support for the bereaved family.
Shah’s family said the assistance would help them rebuild their lives.
“We are thankful for the support and for ensuring that we now have a house,” his father, Haider Shah, said.
Local officials and political representatives, along with members of a non-governmental organisation, also attended the event.
The attack last year had severely impacted tourism in the Pahalgam area, a key destination in the region, before visitor numbers began gradually recovering in recent months.
