On 22nd April, the picturesque Baisaran Valley—popularly known as the ‘mini Switzerland’ of India—was turned into a scene of pandemonium when militants showered bullets, killing over two dozen people. The attack sent travelers scrambling in terror on the hill forest trails of Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amongst the mayhem, two teenagers Rubeena, 14, and Mumtaza, 16, from the Gujjar-Bakerwal nomadic tribe transformed into unplanned heroes.
In an instant’s notice they threw themselves in rescue, risking their lives in order to safeguard fearful travelers from danger.
Rubeena, known as the “Rabbit Girl of Pahalgam,” was one such familiar face here. She earned a few hundred rupees a day by accompanying tourists along with her pet rabbit for photography. Having quit school at 10 years of age to take care of her family of eight, including ailing father, there was already considerable responsibility in her daily life.
A Home That Was Turned into a Haven
The sisters live in a little mud hut on the edge of the forest path, a simple home with no power or luxuries. But when dozens of panicked tourists streamed by, it was a refuge.
“They were crying, embracing their children, trying to find shelter,” Rubeena said. “We couldn’t do nothing.”
With a broken foot, Mumtaza assisted in getting a child to safety and accompanied a Chennai couple across the broken terrain. The sisters, in tandem, made multiple sorties into harm’s way to escort others to safety.
Inside their little home, they shared water, toasted bread, and milk meant for their little brother. Cold strangers huddled together on the mud floor, comforted by the bravery of the girls.
Known, But Not Seeking Praise
Security officials arrived and found not only survivors, but a heartwarming story of sacrifice. Officials in Anantnag have praised the sisters for their bravery, although the girls themselves are modest.
“Anything anyone would do,” said Mumtaza.
But in fact, not many people would have done what they did. When it would have been so easy to flee or hide, the sisters chose to stand their ground and be kind to total strangers.
A Global Symbol of Resilience
For those outside of Kashmir, this story rings deeply. It is greater than a show of bravery; an example of human presence in the midst of strife.
The Rabbit Girl and her sister, from a family that had little to spare, gave up everything to rescue others. The mud hut they called home is now greater than a home: it stands a badge of courage, kindness, and the enduring strength of the human heart.
Watch a video here:
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