Kashmiri Guide Nazakat Ahmad Shah Encourages Safe Travel to Valley After Pahalgam Attack

Nazakat Ahmad Shah, a Kashmiri guide who saved Chhattisgarh tourists during the Pahalgam attack, appeals for safe visits to the Kashmir Valley. His actions during the incident highlight the region's hospitality and resilience.

Kashmiri guide Nazakat Ahmad Shah, who saved tourists from Chhattisgarh during the Pahalgam attack, urged people to visit Kashmir without fear. Shah, 30, received a warm welcome on his first visit to Chhattisgarh since the incident. He was in Pahalgam on April 22 when terrorists attacked tourists, killing 26 people, including Dinesh Mirania from Raipur, and injuring others.

Shah was guiding 11 tourists from Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur district in Chhattisgarh. The group included families of local BJP youth leader Arvind Agrawal, Kuldip Sthapak, Shivansh Jain, and Happy Wadhavan. Shah carried two children to safety and led the rest of the group away from danger.

Chhattisgarh Visit and Warm Reception

Shah spends three months each winter in Chhattisgarh selling shawls and winter wear. His family has been visiting the region for over 30 years for business. On October 22, he arrived in Chirmiri for his seasonal trade and was greeted with firecrackers, garlands, and bouquets by the families he had rescued and other locals.

"We share a bond of brotherhood. People here are like our elder brothers," Shah said at Ambikapur in Surguja district. "We have been coming to Chhattisgarh for years for business, and it feels like home. We stayed in touch with those we had rescued over the phone after the attack, but meeting them in person feels truly special," he added.

Encouraging Tourism in Kashmir

During his visit, Shah was honoured on stage at Chhath Puja celebrations. "We have always received love from this region because many people from here have stayed at our home during their visit to Kashmir in the past. This time, we were given even more honour," he expressed gratefully.

Shah encouraged more tourists to visit Kashmir. Last year, around 2 crore people visited Pahalgam, but numbers dropped after the attack. "People should visit Kashmir without any fear. There will be an even better welcome than before. I have told many people not to cancel their trips to Kashmir. I told them not one Nazakat, but a thousand will be ready to host you," he said.

Operation Sindoor and Community Support

Shah praised Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam attack. "It was a good move. Those who were in the wrong were eliminated. The action sends a message that India has the strength and capability to respond when needed," he stated.

Agrawal, one of the rescued tourists, remarked on Shah's bravery: "We were overjoyed to see him again. Around 50 people welcomed him with flowers and garlands. My family and friends thanked him for saving our lives. He even had lunch with us," Agrawal shared.

With inputs from PTI