SRINAGAR: A year after the Pahalgam terror attack claimed 26 lives, the Jammu and Kashmir government has named a school in Anantnag district after Adil Hussain Shah, the ponywallah who was killed by terrorists.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday announced that Government High School, Hapatnard, in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has been renamed by the government after the late Adil Hussain Shah.
The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister Abdullah. Adil was among the 26 victims of the terror attack at Pahalgam on April 22, 2025. The terrorists had attacked a group of tourists at Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, killing 25 tourists and Adil, who was present at the scene and attempted to snatch the weapon of one of the attackers to save tourists.
The renaming ceremony of Government High School Hapatnar to Shaheed Adil Memorial High School Hapatnar was presided over by Education Minister Sakeena Itoo along with Adil’s family.
The education minister said the renaming of the educational institute was a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Shah, who laid down his life while saving several tourists.
“Adil through his sacrifice, has brought pride to Kashmir. His actions had brought pride to Kashmir and demonstrated Kashmiriyat in its purest form,” she said.
Adil, she said, belonged to a very humble family and did not run away when bullets were being fired and people killed. “Instead he tried to save the lives of tourists,” she said.
“His sacrifice has made the people of Kashmir proud,” Itoo said, adding the government’s decision was aimed at ensuring that future generations remember his courage and selflessness. Adil’s brother Syed Naushad thanked the government and said today is a very proud moment for the family.
“The naming of the school after Adil would ensure his sacrifice is remembered not only in Kashmir but across the country and the world,” he said.
