Govt will support family in every way: CM
Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: Grief and pride gripped Hapatnar village in South Kashmir’s Kokernag area as locals mourned the death of 24-year-old Syed Adil Hussain, a tourist guide who lost his life while heroically trying to save tourists during one of the deadliest attacks in recent years at the popular tourist resort of Pahalgam.
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Hussain, the sole Kashmiri among the 26 victims of Tuesday’s attack, was guiding tourists at Baisaran meadow near the famed resort when militants opened fire. Eyewitnesses said that while others ran for cover, Hussain stayed behind, attempting to shield the tourists, and even tried to confront the attackers. He was fatally shot.
His body was brought home on Wednesday, triggering an outpouring of grief. Villagers and relatives gathered to mourn his loss and honour his selfless bravery. “He was a brave child. He died trying to save tourists. This is the murder of humanity,” a grieving relative said.
Hussain came from a modest background, working as a pony handler and tourist guide for Rs 200-300 per trip. He was the eldest son and the sole breadwinner of his family, supporting his elderly parents and younger sister. “He didn’t even own a horse. He worked hard every day, hoping for a better future,” said his father, Syed Haider Hussain.
Haider recalled their last conversation with pain. “The last time he left, he told his mother he would go that day and not wait until tomorrow. That was his last talk,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who visited the bereaved family, condemned the attack and praised Adil’s courage. “He tried to stop the attackers, perhaps even attempted to snatch a rifle, according to local witnesses. This young man returned in a shroud while trying to earn an honest living,” he said.
He added that guests had come here to spend their holidays, but they returned in coffins. “After speaking with the family, we feel it is our responsibility to take care of them and extend all possible support. I have come here to tell them that the Government stands with them in this moment of grief and will do whatever it can.”
Hussain’s aunt, Khalida Parveen, echoed a sentiment shared by many in the village: that his bravery must not be forgotten. “Everyone is talking about the tourists. But Adil was a martyr too. He died defending Kashmiriyat-our tradition of hospitality and peace,” she said.
She added, with tearful anger, “We are mourning for all the tourists who died along with Adil. This should not have happened. A woman who got married barely a week ago lost her husband-what can we even say to her?”
The family now demands justice and Government support. “The attackers should be brought to justice. We have lost our son, but his sacrifice must not go in vain,” Adil’s father said.
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