Eyewitness Account of Pahalgam Terror Attack Haunts Local Pony Handler
'What I saw... no one should': Ponywallah recalls Pahalgam attack
The Economic TimesImage: The Economic Times
Abdul Waheed Wani, a pony handler from Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, recounts the traumatic aftermath of a terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 tourists and injured 17 others. His experience as a first responder highlights the chaos and emotional toll of the incident.
- 01Abdul Waheed Wani was among the first to arrive at the Pahalgam attack site.
- 02The attack on April 22, 2025, resulted in 26 fatalities and 17 injuries.
- 03Wani provided immediate assistance to survivors and attempted to comfort those in distress.
- 04He alerted fellow pony handlers for help, but access was restricted by security forces.
- 05The traumatic memories of the attack continue to affect Wani's daily life.
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On April 22, 2025, a terror attack in Baisaran valley, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, left 26 tourists dead and 17 injured. Abdul Waheed Wani, the president of a local ponywallah association, was among the first responders to reach the scene. He described the horrific sights of the aftermath, including crying survivors and scattered bodies. Wani and his brother-in-law tried to assist the wounded while waiting for authorities, but faced challenges due to restricted access by security forces. He recalled rescuing a man thought to be dead, who surprisingly spoke when touched. The traumatic experience has left Wani haunted by memories, affecting his daily life as he struggles to cope with the emotional toll.
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The attack has deeply affected the local community in Pahalgam, impacting tourism and the livelihoods of local pony handlers.
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