Unseen Hero of Pahalgam Terror Attack: Local Photographer Becomes Key NIA Witness After Capturing Full Incident

A local photographer from Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley, who regularly clicked reels and honeymoon videos for tourists, has emerged as a crucial witness in the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack — after he climbed a tree to save himself and secretly recorded the entire assault.

Who is He?

• His name has not been disclosed by authorities due to security concerns.
• He is a resident of Pahalgam and worked as a tourist photographer, often hired by couples and families to capture memories in the scenic Baisaran area.

What Happened During the Attack?

• On April 22, as terrorists opened fire on tourists, the photographer was at the site.
• To avoid detection and protect himself, he climbed a tree and from there, filmed the entire attack using his camera.
• His footage reportedly captured the attackers' faces, movement, and method of execution, making it a critical piece of evidence.

Why It Matters:

• The National Investigation Agency (NIA), now leading the probe, has declared him an important eyewitness.
• The Home Ministry had handed over the case to NIA due to the scale and brutality of the attack that left 26 tourists dead.
• The footage is helping investigators identify the attackers, track their strategy, and potentially link them to cross-border terror networks.

This photographer, once a silent observer behind the lens, has now become a key figure in India’s fight against terrorism, his video possibly being the turning point in the Pahalgam probe.