Suhail Bhat
SRINAGAR, Apr 21: Family of Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who sacrificed his life while saving tourists in the Pahalgam’s Baisaran valley terrorist attack last year, received a new house today, which was inaugurated in the presence of political dignitaries from Maharashtra.
The house was formally inaugurated by Maharashtra cabinet ministers Sanjay Shirsat and Yogesh Kadam, with deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde joining the event virtually, as well as Yuva Sena observer Bajirao Chavan and Kashmir division president Mohd Shafi Magray.
Shah, a pony handler from Pahalgam, was killed during a terrorist attack in April 2025 in Baisaran Valley, a popular tourist attraction. Shah tried to prevent the assault by seizing the gunman’s rifle, an action which saved at least 26 people and many more, which were present there.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shirsat said the gesture was intended to honour sacrifice and promote national unity. “This is not just about giving a house. It sends a message to the entire country. He sacrificed his life for others, and such acts should inspire brotherhood. We are not here for elections or politics, but for humanity and peace in Kashmir.”
Shah’s father, Syed Haider Shah, said he remained proud of his son’s actions despite the loss. “I am saddened that my son is gone, but he saved many lives,” he said. Expressing gratitude, he said, “We are thankful to Eknath Shinde, who stood with us at the time and has fulfilled his promise by giving us this house.”
Until moving into the new house, the family was residing in an unstable 40-year-old hut made of mud and wood. The estimated cost of the building is Rs. 10-12 lakh, which came from Shinde’s political party, Shiv Sena, after a promise made right after the attack.
According to reports, the family was initially offered an amount of Rs 5 lakh immediately after the incident took place. So far, the family has received a total amount of roughly Rs 20 lakh from the government and other agencies.
The widow of Shah, Nazim, was appointed to a permanent position at the fisheries department, whereas his brother, Nazakat, got a daily wage job with the Waqf Board.
Kashmir Division President of Shiv Sena, Mohd Shafi Magray said that a delegation had met the family within days of the attack, and then Shinde decided to finance the building work when he saw the condition of their house. “Some people doubted whether the promise would be kept, but today the house stands completed,” he said, adding that the inauguration was scheduled for 21 April 2026 and marked a significant moment for the region.
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