On April 22, 2025, a devastating terrorist attack struck the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir—popularly known as “Mini Switzerland.” In this horrific incident, 26 innocent tourists lost their lives when armed militants opened fire in an open meadow, leaving people with no natural cover or place to escape. Panic spread rapidly as visitors tried to flee the sudden assault.

Amid the chaos, Nazakat Ali, a 30-year-old local tourist guide and shawl trader, played a crucial role in saving lives. He was guiding a group of 11 tourists from Chhattisgarh who had come for a peaceful vacation in the mountains. On that day, Nazakat had taken them to Baisaran Valley, where he was also casually recording social media videos near a zip-line area when the attack unexpectedly began.

At first, Nazakat thought the sound of gunfire might be an encounter between security forces and militants. However, he quickly realized that civilians were being targeted. Acting swiftly, he instructed the tourists to lie down and stay silent. Using his deep knowledge of the terrain and hidden forest routes, he then led them through dense woodland paths for nearly seven kilometers until they safely reached Pahalgam.

During the evacuation, it was discovered that two women from the group were still missing in the forested area. Showing remarkable courage, Nazakat returned to the danger zone and successfully rescued them as well. Tragically, Nazakat also lost a close relative in the attack—his maternal cousin Syed Adil Shah, who was among those killed.

A year later, Nazakat was honored in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, in the presence of state officials and former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel for his bravery and quick thinking. During the event, he was presented with a medal and flowers in recognition of his heroic actions. Nazakat reflected on the incident and noted that despite the tragedy, tourism in Kashmir is gradually recovering. He expressed hope, saying that many locals like him are ready and willing to welcome visitors again with warmth and safety.