WAJAHAT SHABIR
SRINAGAR: In a heart felt gesture, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board on Thursday handed over an appointment letter to Syed Nazakat Ahmad, the brother of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who was killed while saving tourists during a terrorist attack in the Baisaran area of Pahalgam on April 22.
Chairperson of the Waqf Board, Dr. Darakhshan Andrabi, accompanied by BJP J&K President Sat Sharma, General Secretary Ashok Koul, former MLC Vibodh Gupta, MLA Dr. Devinder Manyal, and senior BJP leader Sofi Yousuf, presented the appointment letter at a solemn ceremony held in Srinagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Andrabi described the appointment as a symbol of collective gratitude and responsibility. “When Adil was killed, a dark shadow fell over his family. There was no breadwinner left. Our party decided to stand by them—not just with words, but with real action. The Waqf Board took it upon itself to light up the home that had lost its lamp,” she said.
Dr. Andrabi emphasized that dying while protecting others is not the end, but a legacy of humanity. “Syed Adil Hussain did not die in vain. His courage during the massacre of innocent tourists saved lives and upheld our collective dignity. Such civilians never truly leave us—they live on in the values they protect,” she added.
“We felt it was our duty as a people’s Board to support the family, and today, we proudly gave Nazakat a job in the Board, not as charity, but as a tribute to his brother’s ultimate sacrifice.”
Echoing her sentiments, BJP leaders hailed the decision. Party President Sat Sharma and General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul said the Waqf Board’s move had set a precedent of empathy, accountability, and timely support. “This is the kind of governance and compassion we all should strive for,” said Sharma.
In an emotional response, Syed Nazakat Ahmad thanked the Board and Dr. Andrabi for standing with the family during one of the darkest phases of their lives. “Our home had fallen silent, but today we feel a glimmer of hope again,” he said.
