Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Aug 15 (KNS) : What was meant to be the beginning of a new chapter in his life ended in unspeakable tragedy for 24-year-old Faisal Ahmad Shah alias Tufail, who drowned in Papchan Nallah in north Kashmir’s Bandipora on Friday.

Just ten days ago, Shah’s family had celebrated his Nikkah Ceremony, marking his engagement and the promise of an upcoming wedding.

Today, those celebrations have been replaced by grief.

“The happiness turned into mourning,” a close relative said, their voice breaking. “We were Still receiving guests who would congratulate us for engagement and were preparing for his marriage. Now, we are preparing for his funeral.”

Shah, son of a retired Sub-Inspector, was serving as a Special Police Officer (SPO) in the J&K Police.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe only brother among sisters, he was described by family and neighbours as tall, athletic, humble, and known for his good character.

As news of the tragedy spread, a pall of gloom descended on his native village. Men and women gathered in grief, recalling memories of a noble and gentle young man whose life was cut short far too soon.

A large number of people turned up to participate in his funeral prayers, their silent tears echoing the magnitude of the loss. After completion of legal formalities, Shah’s body was handed over to the family for burial.

For the Shah family, and for the village that held him in such affection, the Papchan Nallah now carries the weight of a memory they wish they could forget.(KNS)