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India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
PM remembers Pahalgam's hero pony ride operator, says Pak wanted riots in India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday slammed Pakistan over the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that it is against tourism in Jammu and Kashmir and wanted to trigger riots in India; hence attacked 26 tourists in the April 22 massacre. Praising the bravery of citizens of the Union Territory for standing firmly against Pakistan-backed terrorism, PM Modi remembered Pahalgam hero Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the pony ride operator, who was gunned down by terrorists after he tried to save the attacked both humanity and Kashmiriyat in Pahalgam,' Modi said. 'Its intention was to create riots in India and disrupt the livelihoods of the hard-working people of Kashmir. That is why it attacked the tourists.'The Prime Minister paid tribute to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a pony ride operator from Pahalgam who was killed while trying to protect the tourists during the attack. Recalling his bravery, Modi hailed Adil as a true hero of the valley. PM Modi also hailed the people of Jammu and Kashmir for their resilience and commended their bravery. 'The way the people of Jammu and Kashmir have stood up against Pakistan's conspiracy has sent a strong message - not only to Pakistan but to terrorism across the world,' PM Modi also praised the changing mindset of the region's youth, who he said are now determined to respond decisively to terror. 'This is the same terrorism that once burned schools, destroyed hospitals, and ruined entire generations. But today's youth have made up their minds to give a befitting reply,' Modi Modi also emphasised that Jammu and Kashmir's development will continue undeterred despite the Pahalgam attack, adding that 'anyone trying to stop the youth from achieving their dreams will first have to face Modi.'These statements were made by PM Modi as he was addressed a large gathering in Katra following the inauguration of the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway arch bridge, along with India's first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, and the launch of the first-ever train service directly linking Kashmir to the Indian landmark event comes just weeks after the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which tragically took the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists. It also marks PM Modi's first visit to the Kashmir Valley since the attack and subsequent military operation.
Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
J&K's interfaith ties: Holding together in the face of violence
In the heart of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), a land often cast in the shadow of geopolitical tensions and security narratives, lies a more intimate, human story—one of interwoven communities, shared histories, and resilient bonds. The recent Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which tragically claimed many lives, including tourists and locals, once again tested the social fabric of this diverse region. Yet, in the face of such brutality, J&K's enduring tradition of interfaith solidarity has shown remarkable resilience. The attack, executed by heavily armed militants in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, specifically targeted civilians based on their religion. While the violence shook the nation, one local name stood out: Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a Muslim pony operator who lost his life while trying to protect non-Muslim visitors. His courage and humanity challenged the very motive of the attackers—who sought to deepen divisions—and instead reminded the world of the region's intrinsic spirit of coexistence. J&K's cultural fabric is deeply syncretic. For centuries, the Valley has nurtured a Sufi-inspired ethos known as Kashmiriyat, emphasising tolerance, mutual respect, and shared living. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists have coexisted in this landscape, not just as neighbours, but as contributors to a collective identity marked by common festivals, artistic expression, and community interdependence. While decades of conflict have strained this cohesion, it has never been fully undone. The Pahalgam tragedy is only the latest in a long list of challenges. Yet, in its aftermath, what has emerged is a renewed emphasis on community healing. Local imams have delivered sermons condemning the attack, calling for unity and compassion. Temples and gurudwaras in Anantnag and Srinagar have opened their doors for interfaith vigils. Women's groups, both Hindu and Muslim, have jointly organised peace marches in memory of the victims. Civil society in J&K has played a vital role in ensuring that such moments of pain do not spiral into communal polarisation. Youth organisations, artists' collectives, and academic institutions have hosted dialogues on interfaith harmony, drawing upon local history to remind younger generations of their shared inheritance. Particularly moving have been stories from families of the victims. The kin of Syed Adil have received condolence messages and support from individuals across different faiths. This outpouring of collective grief has, paradoxically, fostered a renewed sense of shared humanity. Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory response to the attack, has inevitably heightened security discourse in the national and international media. However, within J&K, the conversations have remained focused not only on security but also on healing. There is a quiet understanding among many that long-term peace must be rooted in trust between communities—not merely enforced through military strategy. This insistence on solidarity is not naïve. It is born of necessity and lived experience. People of J&K, especially those whose livelihoods depend on tourism and hospitality, understand that communal harmony is not just morally important—it is economically vital. There is a profound lesson here for the rest of the country—and perhaps the world. At a time when extremist ideologies aim to fracture societies along identity lines, J&K offers an alternative narrative. It tells us that while violence can shatter lives, it cannot so easily dismantle the deep-rooted instincts of human solidarity that have sustained communities for generations. To be clear, J&K's journey is far from easy. The path ahead will require continued effort, both from its people and from the institutions meant to protect and empower them. But if recent events have shown anything, it is that even amidst grief, J&K's social fabric is not unravelling. On the contrary, it is being rewoven—thread by thread, hand in hand—by those who refuse to be enemies. In the silence that follows tragedy, the voices that rise for peace are often the most powerful. And in J&K today, those voices are growing louder, steadier, and more united. This article is authored by Ananya Raj Kakoti, scholar, international relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
India Gazette
11-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Terrorism must be eradicated in J-K so that innocent lives are not lost": Brother of Pahalgam terror attack victim
New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): Syed Nowshaad, brother of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local who lost his life while trying to save tourists during the Pahalgam terrorist attack on Sunday, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for launching Operation Sindoor and avenging the incident. He added that terrorism must be eradicated in Jammu and Kashmir so that innocent lives are not lost. Speaking to ANI, Nowshaad said, 'I thank Prime Minister Modi and the armed forces for launching Operation Sindoor and avenging the Pahalgam terror attack. I am proud of our armed forces. Terrorism must be eradicated in Jammu and Kashmir so that innocent lives are not lost. We had a lot of expectations from Prime Minister Modi and the government and they avenged the Pahalgam terror attack.' Hyder Shah, father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, expressed happiness that Prime Minister Modi has avenged the Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking to ANI, Shah said, 'We are happy as PM Modi has avenged the Pahalgam terror attack. Syed Adil Hussain showed humanity and saved the lives of a lot of people. We are proud of him.' Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a retaliatory response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 civilians, including one Nepali national were killed. Following India's operation, the conflict between India and Pakistan deepened, which resulted in increased cross-border shelling from Pakistan and retaliatory action from the Indian Armed Forces. On Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations contacted his Indian counterpart. The two sides agreed to halt all military actions, on land, at sea, and in the air, effective from 5 pm. Misri noted that instructions have been issued to enforce the ceasefire, with another round of DGMO-level talks scheduled for May 12 at noon. However, hours after both countries agreed to stop all firing and military action on land, in the air, and sea, reports came of Pakistan violating the cessation of hostilities with India's air defence intercepting Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Srinagar. Red streaks were seen and explosions heard as India's air defence intercepted Pakistani drones amid a blackout in Udhampur. A blackout was also enforced in Pathankot and Ferozepur in Punjab and Jaisalmer and Barmer in Rajasthan. At a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said India takes 'very serious note of these violations'. India called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with seriousness and responsibility. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Omar Abdullah holds ‘emergency meeting' over situation in Jammu & Kashmir border areas
The father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a ponywalla killed during the Pahalgam terror attack, expressed gratitude for India's military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan, viewing it as justice for his son's death and the deaths of 25 others. The strikes, part of 'Operation Sindoor', targeted key terrorist strongholds in retaliation for the April 22 attack.
Hindustan Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pahalgam attack hero's family says ‘Operation Sindoor' avenged son's death
May 07, 2025 03:38 PM IST Anantnag: Father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, the ponywalla who sacrificed his life while protecting the tourists during the Pahalgam terror attack, said on Wednesday that the military strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir have avenged his son's killing. Hyder Shah, father of Syed Adil Hussain Shah says death of his son is avenged after 'Op Sindoor' (ANI) Shah's family expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for the retaliatory action. "I am very happy today that the forces and (PM Narendra) Modi have avenged the killing of 26 persons. It makes me happy that those (victims) will rest in peace today," Shah's father, Syed Haider Shah, told PTI videos here. Shah's brother, Syed Nawshad, said the prime minister has delivered his family and the families of the other 25 victims justice. "Now, my brother, and 25 other innocents will rest in peace. When I came to know this morning that Modi has avenged the killings, it made me happy. We have got justice now, and we are very happy," Nawshad said. In retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left Shah and 25 tourists dead, Indian armed forces carried out missile strikes early Wednesday on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base Muridke. The military strikes were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor' two weeks after the massacre in south Kashmir's Pahalgam town.
