Srinagar, 27 April (H.S.): Leader of the Opposition in the J&K Assembly and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Sunil Sharma, today said that the tourist guide who was killed in the Pahalgam attack has sounded the bugle for the fight against terrorism in Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the family of Syed Adil Hussain Shah—who was killed while trying to save some tourists during the attack—in Hapatnad, Sharma said that his sacrifice has set an example of humanity.

“Adil has set an example of humanity by sacrificing his life for the safety of tourists and has given a new direction to the fight against terrorism in Kashmir,” he said.

The LoP said that in Kashmir, where in the past 36 years there had been no protests against terrorism, “Adil’s killing in the terror attack has led to the emergence of a united voice against terrorism from every nook and corner.”

“It signals the fight against terrorism, a battle whose bugle has been sounded by Adil.”

He said that the tourists who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack had come to live beautiful moments of their stay in Kashmir.

“But the Pakistan-sponsored terrorists attacked them and set an example of butchery that humanity has rarely witnessed. In response, it has been condemned by people across religions, castes, and party lines.”

Sharma was accompanied by senior BJP leader and former State President Ravinder Raina, who, while speaking to reporters, said that the neighbour (Pakistan) has been bringing destruction to Kashmir for decades.

“The tourists came with dreams and were killed. Our neighbour has brought destruction for the last several decades, and today they want proof. They are the biggest enemies. If today the people of Kashmir are in pain and suffering, Pakistan and its terrorists are responsible for it,” he said.

Raina said that the people of Kashmir condemned the terror attack and expressed their anger.

“Kashmir observed a shutdown against it, which shows that it was not only an attack on tourists but on the soul of J&K,” he said.

Regarding the tourist guide Adil, the BJP leader said that he (Adil) tried to save the tourists and, in doing so, attained martyrdom for the security of the nation.

“The entire nation and J&K salute his courage; he even snatched the weapon from a terrorist. The country salutes his bravery. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have acknowledged his courage,” he said.

Raina added that India is a peace-loving country and the world acknowledges its power.

“But if anyone attacks the sovereignty and security of the country, they will have to face the consequences.”

Earlier, senior leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Jammu & Kashmir, visited the residence of Syed Adil Hussain Shah at Hapat Nar, Pahalgam. Syed Adil, a young pony handler and the lone Kashmiri Muslim, tragically lost his life during the recent cowardly terror attack on tourists at Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam.

The BJP delegation was led by Ashok Koul, general secretary (Org), J&K BJP, along with Sunil Sharma, Leader of Opposition and general secretary, J&K BJP and Ravinder Raina, former president, J&K BJP. Several other senior leaders and local party workers also accompanied them to express their condolences to the bereaved family.

Sofi Yusuf, Arif Raja, Altaf Thakur, Mudassir Wani, Ali Mohd., Mir, Ashraf Azad, Mohd Rafiq Wani, Sajid Yusuf Shah, Sahil Bashir Bhat, Bilal Parre, Salinder Singh, Ashok Bhat and other senior leaders of BJP were present on the occasion.

The BJP leaders termed the killing of Syed Adil Hussain Shah as a brutal and inhumane act, emphasizing that terrorism knows no religion and continues to claim innocent lives. They paid rich tribute to Syed Adil’s courage and dedication, recognizing him as a symbol of Kashmiri resilience and hardworking spirit.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar