India, April 24 -- On April 22, a brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, shook the country to its core. At least 26 civilians were killed in the attack, sending shockwaves through the nation. But amid the horror and confusion, a different kind of story emerged - one of immense bravery. In the absence of formal rescue teams during those critical first moments, it was the local ponywallahs of Kashmir who stepped in. These men, known for guiding tourists on horseback through the scenic trails of Pahalgam, became first responders in an unimaginable crisis.

Meet Waheed, the head of the local ponywallah association, who didn't wait for orders or reinforcements. He rushed to the scene of the attack, arriving even befor...