New Delhi

As the Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam of South Kashmir has fallen into a deadly silence after the April 22 brutal terrorist attack resulting in the death of 25 tourists and a local horseman, stories of many heroes - local Kashmiri men - are emerging through social media posts.

While Kashmiris erupted in unprecedented anger and protest against terrorism and expression of grief against "guest returning in coffins' from their home, the story of – Nazakat Ali, a local textile merchant who saved 11 tourists is heartening.

Four friends from Chirmiri in Chhattisgarh — Kuldeep Sthaphak, Shivansh Jain, Happy Badhawan, and Arvind Agarwal — and their families were busy enjoying the cool climes and beauty of this remote Valley when they heard the booming of terrorists' guns.

Chaos followed and the tourists ran helter-skelter, many found they were trapped on both sides of the road. Nobody was sure which way would take them out of a possible encounter with the killers when Nazakat Ali, a local trader came to their rescue.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he took charge and guided the tourists to a safe place.

Nazakat Ali visits Chirmiri every year to sell clothes in winter, and he knows these families.

The friends decided to visit Kashmir after getting in touch with Nazakat.his confidence brought him to Pahalgam.

Local BJP councilor Poorva Sthapak along with her three young children was also among those whom Nazakat rescued.

While everyone was struggling to save their lives, Nazakat Ali showed patience, presence of mind, and wisdom. He removed all 11 tourists one by one from the road and took them safely to the lodge. Not only this but immediately after the attack, he rescued the tourists to a hotel with the help of the army.

Rakesh Parasar, maternal uncle of Kuldeep Sthaphak, told the media, "At the time of the attack, there were three children in the family.

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"We were very nervous, but Nazakat rescued everyone safely. We are grateful to him." Shivansh Jain's mother also said, "Our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson are safe. I am scared to even think what would have happened if Nazakat was not there."