Anantnag: A year has passed since the terror attack in Pahalgam claimed 26 lives, yet for the family of local pony operator Adil Hussain Shah, the passage of time has done little to diminish the profound sense of grief.

Shah was killed on April 22 last year while reportedly attempting to shield tourists from gunfire during an assault by Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists. As the eldest son and primary breadwinner, his absence remains a constant burden for his surviving relatives.

"Adil uplifted all of us – our entire family.... he himself passed away," said Gulnaz Akhter, Shah’s widow. When asked if she still feels his absence, she replied simply, "Yes, we miss him a lot."

A Struggle for Continuity

For Akhter, the year following the tragedy has been marked by compounded misfortune. In addition to losing her husband, she recently suffered the death of their infant daughter. To support the family, she has accepted a government-provided position, though she admits that managing daily life remains a harrowing task.

"Adil used to earn and bring money home. He would give money to me and to the family, he handled everything," Akhter said. "I’m just getting through life somehow. Difficulties are increasing, but what can I do? I gave birth to a daughter, but she also passed away... It's very hard to live without a partner."

Akhter has since moved back into her parents' home, stating that the house she shared with her husband is too heavy with memories to endure.

Legacy of Valour

Shah’s father, Syed Haider Shah, noted that the arrival of the tourist season—a time when he and his son used to work together in Pahalgam—now serves as a painful reminder of his loss.

"It is very difficult… we keep remembering him, this sorrow keeps troubling us," the elder Shah said. "At this time, he used to go to Pahalgam, but today he is buried in the ground."

Despite the mourning, the family emphasises a sense of pride in the manner of Shah's death. His brother, Naushad Hussain Shah, who was also granted a government job, described the loss of his "young brother" as "beyond tolerance," yet found "a little comfort" in his brother’s final act.

Syed Haider Shah echoed this sentiment, framing his son's sacrifice as a testament to religious harmony and humanity. "We feel proud that he died a valiant death," he said. "He sacrificed his life to save others. He did not consider whether anyone was Hindu or from any other religion; instead, he put humanity first... everyone has the same blood flowing through their veins."

Support and Solace

In the wake of the attack, the family received approximately 1.5 million rupees (Rs 15 lakh) in government financial assistance. Additional support came from Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who dispatched representatives to provide cash aid and assist in the construction of a new home for the family.

"We are very grateful to him," Syed Haider Shah said of the deputy chief minister. "He (Eknath Shinde) called us to Srinagar to meet us... He promised that he would help build a house for us." He added that Shinde's aides have maintained regular contact, offering emotional support by telling the family, "please do not think of Aadil, I am your Aadil."

As the nation observes the first anniversary of the April 22 massacre, the memory of the 26 victims continues to resonate. The brutal assault remains a significant scar on the national conscience, even as families like the Shahs attempt to find a path forward through their enduring grief.