Nowgam blast: Village loses its hero, family its breadwinner

adilFamilies of the nine people killed in the Nowgam Police Station explosion late Friday night bid a final farewell to their loved ones on Saturday, as heart-wrenching scenes unfolded when the bodies were brought home for the last rites.

Among the deceased was Jammu and Kashmir Police Inspector Asrar Ahmad, posted with the State Investigative Agency. Survived by his wife, three children, and parents, he is remembered by colleagues as a humble, dedicated officer committed to public service.

“He was the pride of our town. A very nice human being and it is heartbreaking that we lost him,” said a resident of Dragmulla, Kupwara, Inspector Asrar’s hometown.

The family of Mohammad Shafi Parray, a tailor from Srinagar, said he had gone with the police after being asked to help with some stitching work. “He was a known face in the entire area because of his friendly relations with everyone,” said a resident of Shankerpora on the city outskirts. Parray ran a tailoring shop and was the sole earning member of his family.

Another victim, Mohammad Amin, was working with the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). His family said a neighbour informed them to rush to the Police Control Room in Srinagar and they only learned on Saturday morning that he was among the dead. “We called him late on Friday night, and he told us he was busy with work and would return home soon,” a family member recalled.

Muzaffar Ahmad Khan, a Naib Tehsildar from Soibugh, Budgam, also lost his life in the blast. He had been inside the police station on magistrate duty. Survived by his wife, parents, two children and two brothers, Khan is remembered as a committed public servant. “Our village is devastated. Wherever he served, he was known for his dedication,” said a Soibugh resident.

Among the nine dead were also two crime photographers: Arshid Ahmad Shah from Kulgam and Javid Manzoor Rather from Tral in Pulwama district. Relatives of Shah urged the government to support his family. Locals in Hari Parigam, Tral, described Javid as “exceptionally sincere” and always ready for any assignment.

Another Srinagar resident who died in the blast was Suhail Ahmad Rather, a revenue official. Locals said his absence “leaves a void that words cannot fill.” A member of the local welfare committee said, “He was not only a son, a brother, and a friend, but a beacon of compassion and sincerity in our community.” The other two victims have been identified as Ajaz Ahmad and Showkat Ahmad, both working with the forensics wing.