Assam professor survives terror attack in Pahalgam by reciting Islamic phrase

In a harrowing ordeal during a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, an Assam University professor and his family narrowly escaped death after finding an unusual lifeline—reciting a core Islamic phrase.

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Debashish Bhattacharjee, head of the Bengali department at Assam University in Silchar, had embarked on a long-anticipated trip to Kashmir with his wife and son. However, their vacation quickly turned into a nightmare barely a day after arriving in Srinagar.

While capturing scenic photographs at the Baisaran meadow near Pahalgam, the family was caught in a sudden burst of gunfire. Initially dismissed by locals as a routine occurrence, the situation escalated when gunmen began targeting tourists indiscriminately. As chaos unfolded, Bhattacharjee and his family took shelter behind a tree. In a chilling moment, a masked gunman pointed a firearm at the professor’s head.

Recalling that some people nearby were murmuring the Islamic declaration “La ilaha illallah Muhammadur rasulullah,” Bhattacharjee began repeating the phrase under his breath. The gunman, demanding to hear it louder, let him go after he complied.

Following the attack, the family trekked uphill with other survivors to escape the carnage. They were later aided by a local woman from a nearby village, who arranged transport for their return to Srinagar.

The professor estimates hearing around 15 gunshots and seeing three assailants during the attack. The traumatic experience marked a grim turn in what was meant to be a peaceful retreat.