Kashmiri Muslims sheltered Indian tourists during Pahalgam attack, say survivors

Several Indian tourists who survived a gunmen attack in Pahalgam town of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) were provided shelter and protection by local Kashmiri Muslims, one of whom was killed while trying to resist an armed attacker.

Speaking to the media, a woman tourist who witnessed the attack but remained unharmed said her family was rescued by a Muslim taxi driver.

“The driver took us to his home, offered us food, and ensured our safety until help arrived from local authorities,” she shared.

Another female toursit, Pallavi, who lost her husband in the attack, also praised the locals for their compassion and bravery.

Read: Experts fear LOC escalation as Indian media, Hindu nationalists accuse Pakistan of Pahalgam attack

“There were around 500 tourists present, and no army personnel were around during the attack. I was with my car driver, a kind-hearted man. Three Kashmiri youths came to rescue us. They chanted ‘Bismillah, Bismillah’ as they guided us to safety. I am sitting here because of them. They are no longer strangers,they are my brothers,” she said emotionally.

Check: Pakistan denies involvement in Pahalgam attack that killed 26 tourists in IIOJK

Among the brave locals was Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a young man who was helping transport victims on horseback. He attempted to disarm one of the attackers but was shot and killed during the struggle.

The attack resulted in 26 casualties, all of them men, with over three dozen others injured. The Resistance Front, believed to be an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the attack.