Sajad Ahmad Bhat, a shawl hawker from the region, whose selfless actions have won millions of hearts, with videos of him carrying an injured tourist boy going viral on social media.
He carried the injured boy on his back to safety, showing courage and compassion in a moment of crisis.
Sajad, the man who was seen rescuing the injured boy after the terrorist attack, said he and other locals rushed to the spot and made all efforts to help injured tourists.
The Kashmiri shawl hawker said: “Humanity comes before religion."
Sajad shared his account of the horrifying events of April 22. On receiving an urgent message from Abdul Waheed Wani, the President of the Pahalgam Poney Association, Sajad quickly mobilised with fellow locals to provide assistance to the injured tourists. “I was sitting at home when I got the news about the attack. It was my duty to help our tourists,” Sajad recounted. Sajad said he and other locals rushed to the spot to help the tourists.
“We provided water to those who needed it and lifted those who could not walk,” he said. “Humanity comes before everything. It is our duty to help tourists, as they are our guests.”
The courageous efforts of Sajad and his fellow locals highlight not only their bravery but also the deep-rooted sense of belonging and hospitality towards tourists in times of crisis.
The social media flooded with praising Sajad for his bravery and timely efforts to save the tourist.
One user Dr Safeer Choudhar wrote on his X account, “In this era of hate, fear and pain, humanity is alive. And that is why it is important to tell about the love and humanity of Kashmiris in every corner of the country.
This is Sajjad Ahmed Bhat. He saved the frightened boy by running in the jungle (forest) by carrying him on his back. No enemy can defeat us.”