Budgam, Oct 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Naidgam village today to extend his condolences to the family of Dr. Shahnawaz, who tragically lost his life in a targeted terror attack in Gagangeer, Ganderbal, on Sunday evening.
During his visit, Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the killing of Dr. Shahnawaz, acknowledging the profound loss suffered by the family. “The void caused by the death of Dr. Sahab cannot be filled, but we will do everything in our power to support you,” he said while consoling the grieving family. He reassured them, “We are here to let you know that you are not alone in this moment of grief.”
In a significant gesture, the Chief Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner of Budgam to initiate the process of providing a government job to a family member under SRO-43, along with relief and rehabilitation under relevant schemes. Abdullah also announced that the government would cover all expenses related to the civil services education and training of Dr. Shahnawaz’s son, pledging to fulfill his father’s dream of seeing him become an officer. “Whatever the costs, for training, coaching, or anything else, will be borne by us,” he affirmed. “We will make him an officer at any cost.”
The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Chadoora Ali Mohammad Dar, MLA Beerwah Shafi Ahmad Wani, MLA Khansahib Saifuddin Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, and other officials. He encouraged Dr. Shahnawaz’s son and brother, who are currently studying at the University of Kashmir and the University of Jammu, to continue their education, promising them complete financial support.
Suhail, Dr. Shahnawaz’s elder son, had been employed at APCO Infratech as a storekeeper but left the job a month ago. He expressed the family’s dire situation, stating, “My father was the sole provider for our family, supporting my brother, sister, mother, and two unmarried uncles who live with us. My brother is a student at Jammu University, and my sister just got married. My uncles have limited income—one is a student, and the other a farmer. We have no other means of support.”
Suhail further lamented, “Our family has not merely lost its breadwinner; we have lost everything that sustained us. My father dedicated his life to supporting orphans and the less fortunate. Now, our entire family has lost a caretaker and provider, leaving us feeling like orphans.”
