Pahalgam, April 24, 2025: Debasish Bhattacharyya, a professor from Assam University, narrowly escaped death during a deadly terrorist attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025. Bhattacharyya credits his survival to reciting the Islamic declaration “La Ilaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah” , also known as the Kalima, which he believes led the attackers to spare him.
The attack, which occurred while Bhattacharyya was vacationing with his family, turned the serene meadow into a scene of chaos as gunmen opened fire, killing several people, including Sushil Nathaniel from Indore, who was reportedly shot after failing to recite the Kalima. Bhattacharyya recounted hiding under a tree as gunfire erupted, hearing at least 15 gunshots over 30 minutes. “Some people around me were chanting ‘La Ilaha Illallah.’ When a gunman pressed the barrel to my head and demanded to hear what I was muttering, I raised my voice to recite it loudly, and he left seconds later,” he said. Blood from a victim splattered on his jacket, adding to the terror of the moment.
The professor’s survival story, widely shared Bhattacharyya believes the attackers, hearing the Kalima, may have mistaken him for a Muslim, sparing his life. The incident has sparked discussions on social media about the role of religious identity in the attack, with some posts questioning why the terrorists targeted victims based on their ability to recite the Islamic phrase.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condemned the attack, vowing a “strong response” to hunt down those responsible. The Pahalgam terror attack has reignited concerns about security in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in tourist-heavy areas like Pahalgam, known for its picturesque landscapes.
Bhattacharyya, now safe in Srinagar with his family, expressed relief at their escape but remains shaken by the ordeal. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges of combating terrorism in the region, even as authorities work to ensure safety for residents and visitors.