Tale of two Adils: One turned terrorist, the other died a hero
Srinagar, Apr 25: It is a tale of two men, both named Adil, whose lives took dramatically different paths—one became a terrorist, the other a hero who gave his life trying to save others. The tourist destination was shattered when heavily armed terrorists opened fire on unarmed civilians, killing 26 people, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national. The attack is among the deadliest on civilians in the region in recent years. Among those killed was 28-year-old Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local pony ride operator known for his quiet nature and dedication to his family.
As bullets flew and chaos erupted, Adil chose not to run. Witnesses say he helped tourists find shelter and even attempted to disarm one of the attackers. He was shot multiple times, with bullets striking his chest and throat. Adil was the sole breadwinner of his family. His death has left his parents and siblings devastated. “He used to earn 300 rupees a day,” his grieving mother had said. “He brought us medicines, food… Now who will take care of us?” His younger sister, Ravisa, shared that he had planned to take a day off but never made it back home.
Adil’s funeral was attended by hundreds, including Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who hailed him as a martyr. “He tried to stop the attackers and paid with his life. We will ensure his family is supported,” Abdullah said. In stark contrast, the name of another man—Adil Hussain Thoker—has emerged as one of the key suspects in the attack. A native of Gurre village in Bijbehara, Thoker is believed to have crossed into Pakistan in 2018 and returned last year. He reportedly acted as a local guide for foreign militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Thoker, along with two Pakistani nationals—Hashim Musa alias Suleman and Ali Bhai alias Talha Bhai—is accused by police of planning and executing the massacre.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police have released sketches of the suspects and announced a reward of Rs 20 lakh for information leading to their capture. Security forces have launched a massive manhunt across Anantnag and Pahalgam. Earlier today, Thoker’s home, as well as that of another suspect, Asif Sheikh, was destroyed in controlled blasts by security forces. As Pahalgam mourns, the story of the two Adils—one who took innocent lives and the other who tried to save them—stands as a tragic reminder of the choices that shape our destinies, and the quiet courage of those who act selflessly in the face of terror.
