'Still Can’t Believe...': Assam University Professor Recites 'Kalima' To Save His Life, Narrates Chilling Encounter With Terrorists In Pahalgam

Srinagar: Tragedy unfolded on Tuesday after five to six terrorists opened fire on tourists in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. After the attack, eyewitnesses narrated chilling encounters with terrorists. Sharing one such traumatised experience Debasish Bhattacharyya, Associate Professor in the Department of Bengali at Assam University, recounted how he escaped death during the terrorist attack.

Bhattacharyya told News18 that he recited Kalima to save his life. “I was sleeping under a tree with my family when I suddenly heard murmurs around me — people reciting the Kalima," Bhattacharyya told the media house.

Visuals Of The Attack:

The assistant professor added he too began reciting Kalima. "Moments later, one of the terrorists, dressed in camouflaged fatigues, walked towards us and shot the person lying next to me in the head," Bhattacharya added.

One of the terrorists then came towards Bhattacharya. When the assailant asked the professor about what he was doing, he started reciting Kalima even louder. After hearing the Kalima, the terrorist walked away.

Indian Army Rescuing Tourists:

The professor then and family fled from the spot and saved their lives. "We climbed uphill, crossed a fence, and kept walking for nearly two hours, following the hoof marks of horses on the path. Eventually, we came across a rider with a horse and managed to return to our hotel," the assistant professor said as reported by News18.

He said, "I still can’t believe I am alive."

At least 28 tourists lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan-based Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) terror group's offshoot The Resistance Force (TRF) claimed responsibility for the attack. Five to six terrorists with modern military equipment carried out the attack. The terrorists reportedly singled out Hindus and shot them dead.