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Hindustan Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
J&K's interfaith ties: Holding together in the face of violence
In the heart of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), a land often cast in the shadow of geopolitical tensions and security narratives, lies a more intimate, human story—one of interwoven communities, shared histories, and resilient bonds. The recent Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025, which tragically claimed many lives, including tourists and locals, once again tested the social fabric of this diverse region. Yet, in the face of such brutality, J&K's enduring tradition of interfaith solidarity has shown remarkable resilience. The attack, executed by heavily armed militants in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, specifically targeted civilians based on their religion. While the violence shook the nation, one local name stood out: Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a Muslim pony operator who lost his life while trying to protect non-Muslim visitors. His courage and humanity challenged the very motive of the attackers—who sought to deepen divisions—and instead reminded the world of the region's intrinsic spirit of coexistence. J&K's cultural fabric is deeply syncretic. For centuries, the Valley has nurtured a Sufi-inspired ethos known as Kashmiriyat, emphasising tolerance, mutual respect, and shared living. Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists have coexisted in this landscape, not just as neighbours, but as contributors to a collective identity marked by common festivals, artistic expression, and community interdependence. While decades of conflict have strained this cohesion, it has never been fully undone. The Pahalgam tragedy is only the latest in a long list of challenges. Yet, in its aftermath, what has emerged is a renewed emphasis on community healing. Local imams have delivered sermons condemning the attack, calling for unity and compassion. Temples and gurudwaras in Anantnag and Srinagar have opened their doors for interfaith vigils. Women's groups, both Hindu and Muslim, have jointly organised peace marches in memory of the victims. Civil society in J&K has played a vital role in ensuring that such moments of pain do not spiral into communal polarisation. Youth organisations, artists' collectives, and academic institutions have hosted dialogues on interfaith harmony, drawing upon local history to remind younger generations of their shared inheritance. Particularly moving have been stories from families of the victims. The kin of Syed Adil have received condolence messages and support from individuals across different faiths. This outpouring of collective grief has, paradoxically, fostered a renewed sense of shared humanity. Operation Sindoor, India's retaliatory response to the attack, has inevitably heightened security discourse in the national and international media. However, within J&K, the conversations have remained focused not only on security but also on healing. There is a quiet understanding among many that long-term peace must be rooted in trust between communities—not merely enforced through military strategy. This insistence on solidarity is not naïve. It is born of necessity and lived experience. People of J&K, especially those whose livelihoods depend on tourism and hospitality, understand that communal harmony is not just morally important—it is economically vital. There is a profound lesson here for the rest of the country—and perhaps the world. At a time when extremist ideologies aim to fracture societies along identity lines, J&K offers an alternative narrative. It tells us that while violence can shatter lives, it cannot so easily dismantle the deep-rooted instincts of human solidarity that have sustained communities for generations. To be clear, J&K's journey is far from easy. The path ahead will require continued effort, both from its people and from the institutions meant to protect and empower them. But if recent events have shown anything, it is that even amidst grief, J&K's social fabric is not unravelling. On the contrary, it is being rewoven—thread by thread, hand in hand—by those who refuse to be enemies. In the silence that follows tragedy, the voices that rise for peace are often the most powerful. And in J&K today, those voices are growing louder, steadier, and more united. This article is authored by Ananya Raj Kakoti, scholar, international relations, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Shinde gives 5 lakh to family of J&K pony operator who was shot
Mumbai: After his return from Kashmir, deputy CM Eknath Shinde continued to showcase his efforts in the relief efforts in Pahalgam amid the credit war that has broken out within the Mahayuti govt. On Friday, he provided Rs 5 lakh in his personal capacity to the family of pony operator Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who was killed while trying to protect tourists during the terror attack. Shinde sent out videos of himself video-conferencing with Syed Shah's family after the cheque was handed over. Shah was killed while trying to wrest the gun of a terrorist. Hundreds attended his funeral, including J&K CM Omar Abdullah. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai "After the attack in Pahalgam, many tourists from the state were stranded there. Deputy Chief Minister Shinde reached Srinagar late on Wednesday, April 23, to help them. As soon as he reached there, he went to a camp near the airport and met the tourists from the state. He questioned them and consoled them. The tourists who survived the attack told him about the humanity and courage shown by Syed Adil. Taking note of this, Mr Shinde decided to provide immediate help to the family of Syed Adil," said a press release from Shinde's office. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo Shinde rushed to Kashmir though CM Devendra Fadnavis sent BJP minister Girish Mahajan to assist with relief efforts for tourists from Maharashtra. On Thursday evening, the CMO announced that 500 tourists were brought back to Maharashtra. A few hours later, Shinde's office released a statement that Shiv Sena brought back 520 tourists from J&K on special flights. The opposition lashed out at Shinde over the credit war. "Does Shinde run a parallel govt or is he not ready to listen to the CM? The govt has to stand together at times like this," said Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. "This prestige war makes Maharashtra look bad and it exposes the rift in govt," he said. Raut said Union home minister Amit Shah should reprimand Shinde. "He needs to be disciplined by his party chief. And that is Amit Shah," Raut said.
India.com
25-04-2025
- India.com
Who was Syed Adil Hussain Shah? Only Muslim who died in Pahalgam terror attack, he sacrificed his life to....
When terrorist from The Resistance Front attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in the Pahalgam Valley, they not only targeted visitors but also showed no mercy to a local man, Syed Adil Hussain Shah. The 29-year-old pony handler from Hapatnar village in Anantnag district was killed after he bravely confronted one of the gunmen, asking why they were murdering innocent people. Tragically, he became one of the 26 victims in what is now considered one of the deadliest attacks in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times. Syed Adil was a Kashmiri Muslim who earned a meager living by guiding tourists on horseback from the parking area to the scenic Baisaran meadow—a route only accessible by foot or pony. Despite not owning a pony himself, he worked under a pony owner for daily wages of just Rs. 400-Rs. 500. Life was tough, and he carried the weight of supporting his entire family, including his aging parents, wife, children, and sisters. They lived in humble conditions in Hapatnar, a quiet, remote village about 35 km from Pahalgam, with no financial backup to fall back on. Those who knew Adil described him as a kind-hearted and courageous man. His sister, Asma, said he was always willing to help anyone in need. Locals remembered him for his selfless nature and said he truly represented the spirit of 'Kashmiriyat' — the traditional Kashmiri values of compassion, harmony, and warmth. He stood up to terror with bare hands, trying to protect others, and paid the ultimate price for his bravery. How Syed Adil Hussain Shah was killed? Syed Adil Hussain Shah was at Baisaran meadow with his pony on the day the attackers struck. Around 5 to 7 heavily armed terrorists from The Resistance Front, carrying M4 carbines and AK-47 rifles, suddenly opened fire on tourists enjoying the peaceful surroundings of pine forests. The gunmen reportedly singled out non-Muslim visitors by asking their names, checking if they could recite the Kalama, or inspecting for circumcision. In the middle of this horror, Syed Adil chose to stand up. Reports say he tried to shield the tourist he was guiding and even attempted to wrestle a weapon away from one of the militants during which he was shot several times in the chest. Syed Adil's courage has deeply moved people across the region. Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, joined locals in offering fatiha — the final Islamic prayer before burial — as hundreds came together to mourn and pay their respects. The Chief Minister praised Adil's fearless actions and assured his family of government support. For many, Syed Adil has become a symbol of 'Kashmiriyat.'
