Pahalgam , Ap 25: The horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, not only left the region in shock but also highlighted the bravery of local heroes. One such individual was Sajjad Ahmed Bhatt. A video of him carrying an injured boy—who was caught in the crossfire when terrorists attacked a group of tourists, killing 26 people—quickly went viral. In the footage, Bhatt can be seen running down a rocky hillside with the boy on his back, his steps never faltering. The boy, bloodied and battered, was wrapped in Bhatt’s orange jacket to keep him warm.
"I was just one person whose video was shared. There were many others doing the same," Bhatt shared. Pahalgam, unfortunately, lacks a proper hospital, meaning any injured person has to be transported 40 km away to the Anantnag district hospital.
That day, Bhatt had been in the area attending his aunt’s funeral when news of the terror attack reached him. Hearing the call for help from the locals, he rushed to the scene, where many others were already aiding the injured. Those who were able to sit were placed on ponies for transport to the hospital.
Bhatt didn't hesitate to pick up the boy, whose face and body were covered in blood, and carry him without asking for his name. "The boy’s mother was being carried by a pony handler right behind me," Bhatt recalled. "That man, however, wasn’t photographed."
When asked whether he was scared during the ordeal, Bhatt replied, "We wouldn’t have been able to help if we were scared. Yes, we were a little afraid, but it was a matter of humanity. One is human first, religion comes second... That day, humanity was murdered."
On that Sunday afternoon, 26 people were killed when terrorists from a Lashkar-e-Taiba splinter group attacked the popular tourist spot of Baisaran, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed. Of the 25 tourists who died, one was a Nepali national, while the others came from 14 different states across India.
In response to the attack, the government has vowed to take strong action. Several measures have already been implemented, including the indefinite suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, the closing of the Attari border, and the revocation of all visas issued to Pakistan nationals currently in India. As of Sunday, all visas, including medical visas, have been rendered invalid, and those holding them have 72 hours to leave the country.
