Meet Aadil, Another Hero from Pahalgam Who Used His ATV Bike to Rescue Tourists After Firing
Pahalgam, Apr 25 (KNO): Demonstrating exceptional courage, a local youth from Pahalgam, Aadil Ahmad, used his All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to rescue stranded tourists and ensure their safe evacuation after a recent firing incident in the area.
In an interview with the Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Aadil shared that upon hearing the gunshots, he acted without hesitation. Due to the challenging terrain, regular vehicles couldn’t reach the spot, prompting him to deploy his ATV to help those in need.
As panic erupted in response to the sudden gunshots, tourists were seen fleeing in every direction, many of them trapped in the hilly landscape with limited means of escape.
Aadil’s quick thinking allowed him to navigate the chaotic scene, ferrying families, especially women and children, safely to secure areas. “He didn’t wait for anyone to tell him what to do. He just saw people in need and took charge,” an eyewitness said.
Reflecting on his actions, Aadil said, “I acted on instinct. These tourists come here to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir. It is our duty as locals to protect them and show them that this land is not for innocent killings but for love and humanity.”
Aadil said he transported people to motorable areas where ambulances could then take them to the hospital.
He said the people of Pahalgam are grieving. “There are families who haven’t eaten anything for two days. This is not just the killing of one person; it is the killing of humanity.”
Aadil described the tragedy as a “murder of Kashmir and humanity”. saying the locals feel the pervasive loss.
Despite the risk and the investment of 8 lakh on his vehicle, Aadil resolved to use it to save lives rather than let it sit idle.
“The government must take action to boost tourism and send a clear message that neither tourists nor locals should be paralysed by fear due to such unacceptable acts,” he said—(KNO)
