The tragic story of Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar’s family unfolds against the backdrop of a wedding celebration that quickly turned into profound grief. Just days after his daughter’s marriage, Dr. Shahnawaz was killed in a terrorist attack while he was on duty at a construction site in Gagangir, Sonamarg, on October 20, 2024. This incident not only shattered the dreams of his family but also highlighted the ongoing violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Last Moments: A Family’s Heartbreak
Dr. Shahnawaz’s younger son, Mohsin Shahnawaz, vividly recalls the last moments he shared with his father. Accompanied by his elder brother Suhail, he had driven Dr. Shahnawaz to Srinagar just two days after their sister’s wedding. The joy of the wedding was still fresh, with many rituals yet to be completed when tragedy struck. Mohsin reminisced about bringing sweets for his father to share with coworkers at the construction site, a gesture that now feels hauntingly bittersweet.
“My father hugged me several times before leaving for Gagangir,” Mohsin recounted, his voice filled with sorrow and disbelief. The warmth of that embrace now serves as a painful reminder of their last interaction. In their final conversation, Dr. Shahnawaz urged his sons to work hard and take care of the family, especially now that their sister was married. His parting words were filled with love and responsibility: “Work hard in life and take care of the family,” he told them, unaware that those would be his last pieces of advice.
Dr. Shahnawaz had dreams of participating in the traditional post-wedding visit to his daughter’s home—a custom that symbolizes familial unity and joy—dreams that were tragically cut short by violence. “He was so excited to bring her back home after seven days,” Mohsin shared, tears welling in his eyes as he reflected on how those dreams have been shattered forever.
The Impact of Violence on Family Dreams
Dr. Shahnawaz was not just a father but also the sole breadwinner for his family, which includes two sons and a daughter. His death has left them grappling with both emotional and financial uncertainty. Mohsin expressed how his aspirations to become an IAS officer were now overshadowed by grief and responsibility for his family’s well-being. “All my dreams shattered when I heard the news of my father’s death,” he lamented, feeling the weight of expectations now resting heavily on his shoulders.
The family’s mourning intensified when they received confirmation of Dr. Shahnawaz’s death from local authorities just half an hour after he had called home to inquire about the wedding rituals still pending. “Nobody in the family was initially ready to accept the death of my father,” Mohsin said, reflecting the disbelief that often accompanies sudden loss. The stark contrast between their joyous wedding celebrations and the dark reality of loss is a cruel twist of fate.
Community Response and Political Condemnation
The attack has evoked widespread condemnation from political leaders across India. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described it as a “dastardly and cowardly” act targeting innocent civilians who were contributing to vital infrastructure projects in the region. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured that those responsible would face severe consequences.
The attack claimed not only Dr. Shahnawaz but also six other individuals—construction workers from various states—underscoring a disturbing trend of violence against civilians in Jammu and Kashmir. As security forces cordoned off the area to track down the attackers, community members gathered to mourn their losses and support one another in this time of crisis.
A Family’s Resilience Amid Grief
Despite their profound sorrow, Mohsin expressed a sense of pride in his father’s sacrifice for the safety of others at the construction site where nearly 4,000 workers were employed. “My father has done everything for our sister’s marriage,” he said, emphasizing how much effort Dr. Shahnawaz put into ensuring her happiness before tragedy struck. He acknowledged that while their personal dreams have been shattered, there is solace in knowing that Dr. Shahnawaz died protecting lives.
As they navigate this painful chapter, Dr. Shahnawaz’s family is receiving support from local authorities, with promises from officials like Omar Abdullah regarding educational assistance for his children under SRO 43 provisions—a government scheme aimed at providing relief to families of deceased government employees.
In summary, what began as a celebration of love and union has transformed into a narrative of loss and resilience for Dr. Shahnawaz’s family—a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many in conflict zones like Jammu and Kashmir. The echoes of laughter from wedding festivities have been replaced by sorrowful memories and unfulfilled dreams, leaving an indelible mark on a family forever changed by violence.
