Tauseef Ahmad
Srinagar, Jan 26: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday awarded 56 individuals for their outstanding contributions to public life, courage and achievement across diverse fields, including journalism, arts, public service and social reform.
Among the recipients was Adil Hussain Shah, a pony rider who was recognised for his bravery of saving tourists during the April 22, 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam’s Baisaran Valley that claimed 26 lives.
Shah, a resident of Hapatnar village in Pahalgam, was killed while attempting to intervene during the terror assault on tourists, officials said. The government cited his bravery in confronting the armed attackers, which included efforts to neutralise a terrorist before he was fatally shot. For his actions, Shah was conferred a medal, a citation and a cash award of ₹1 lakh.
Also recognised for his role during the attack was Police Sub-Inspector Nikhil Kumar of Gangyal Police Station, who received a ₹51,000 cash award and a citation for his service during the incident.
The Republic Day honours list, issued by M Raju, Commissioner Secretary of the General Administrative Department, spans multiple categories including media, literature, performing arts, sports and public service.
In the media category, 12 journalists were recognised, among them PTI Srinagar Bureau Chief Inayat Jehangir, PTI video journalist Somil Abrol, and others including Avtar Krishan Bhat, Vivek Suri, Neeta Sharma and Syed Khalid Hussain.
The lifetime achievement award was conferred posthumously on former IAS officer Mohammad Shafi Pandit. Public service honours included senior administrative and medical officials such as V S Senthil Kumar, Tariq Ganai, Rohit Sharma, Pooja Wazir and Dr (Prof) Majid Jahangir.
It is pertinent to mention, Republic day was celebrated with patriotic favor across Jammu and Kashmir which witnesses participation of thousands of students, citizens and force personnel.
