Pahalgam: The family of a victim of the Pahalgam terror attack on Monday highlighted the support extended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating that he not only provided financial assistance but also built a house for them, fulfilling a promise made after last year’s tragedy.
Syed Haider Shah, father of Adil Hussain Shah, a ponywallah who along with 25 tourists lost his life in the attack by a group of terrorists on April 22 last year, said they are also thankful to the J&K government for providing a job to his widow and his younger brother.
“We are very grateful to Shinde ji. After the incident, he sent his aides to our home with financial help and promised to build a house. He has built the house and given it to us, along with financial support,” Shah told PTI Videos.
He said the outreach from Shinde has continued beyond initial assistance.
“He called us to Srinagar for a meeting, and his team remains in touch even now. One of his aides told us, ‘We are like your sons…I am also your Adil.’ That gives us strength,” he said.
While the family also received government support including a job for the victim’s wife and financial aid, Shah said no assistance can compensate for the loss.
“No matter what is given, that person will not come back. There is no peace,” he said.
Recalling his son’s sacrifice, Shah said it stood as an example of humanity above religious divisions.
“He did not care for his own life. He gave his life to save others. He did not see Hindu, Muslim or Sikh. He showed that humanity comes first – that the same blood runs through everyone’s veins,” the grieving father said.
Shah said he takes pride in the fact that Adil’s actions brought humanity to the forefront, demonstrating through his sacrifice what true humanity stands for.
He described his son as the backbone of the family. “All responsibilities were on him…taking care of parents, brothers, everyone. But this was Allah’s will.”
Shah said the memories remain vivid even after a year.
“We remember him every moment. When we see his photos at home, we remember him even more,” he said, adding that “this time of year he used to go to Pahalgam. Today, he is buried in the ground.”
“His humour was very good. He used to keep laughing and playing. You wouldn’t even feel that he was the elder brother,” he said.
He said the family takes pride that Adil did not care for his own life.
“There were thousands of other labourers too – horse riders, the ones who carry loads, and the hotel people – everyone saved their own lives by running away. But Adil gave his own life for the people he had gone with, and for others who were there too,” the father said.
Shah said Adil’s wife got a permanent job from the J&K government along with Rs 5 to 7 lakh while his younger brother has also been given a post in Waqf Board.
