Mumtaz Ahmad Pir
Some people pass through our lives quietly, leaving behind footprints of kindness, strength, and character that shape who we become. For me, one such person was Inspector Shah Israr-ul-Haq, my childhood senior from Al-Fayaz Public School, Bramri Drugmulla Kupwara, a man whose life, courage, and sacrifice will forever remain etched in my heart.
I still remember those early school days when we walked the same corridors and shared the same simple childhood moments. He was older than me, a senior I truly admired. Even as a student, Shah Israr-ul-Haq stood out with his discipline, calm nature, and maturity beyond his age.
The time when I was a kid, unable to walk fast or even speak with confidence. In those moments, he would gently pick up my hand, guide me, and walk beside me, making sure I never felt left behind. His long, confident steps were hard for me to match, but he always slowed down for me, teaching me patience, strength, and courage without even realizing it. Our school was nearly 2 kilometres from our homes, and the transport facility covered only half the distance, so we often walked the remaining stretch together. On those long walks, he did much more than help me move forward, he shaped my confidence and the way I saw life. And beyond studies, he was a brilliant cricketer too, his energy on the playground was unmatched. His bowling action was fast and furious, just like Steyn, the legendary South African bowler.
As time passed, life took us on different paths, yet our connection remained special. I still remember how life brought us together again even after childhood. Last year, he appeared for the AD Planning exam in the very same examination hall where I was also writing my paper. From being my senior in school to sitting just a few steps away from me in a competitive exam, it felt as if life had completed a full circle. I can never forget the moment when he politely requested the examiner, “Please, just one more minute,” before submitting his AD Planning paper. That small, humble request still echoes in my mind. It reflected the same dedication, sincerity, and calm confidence that defined him from childhood to adulthood.
What made him special was not just his intelligence, but his gentleness, humility, and deep compassion. Every time he met me, even years later, his words boosted my confidence. He would remind me to stay strong, to fight life with courage, and to believe that I could achieve something meaningful. To me, he wasn’t just a senior, he was a mentor, a guiding light, and a true source of inspiration.
His inspiration extended far beyond me. He was the inspiration for all of us. Our society, our community, and even our entire Kashmir Valley will miss him deeply. People like him come once in a decade, rare souls who leave the world better than they found it.
Inspector Shah Israr-ul-Haq followed his heart and dedicated his life to serving the people. Rising through the ranks with honesty and courage, he became an Inspector in Jammu and Kashmir Police, carrying the same sincerity and integrity we saw in him as children.
On the line of duty, he made the ultimate sacrifice. His martyrdom is a loss beyond words—not only to his family and colleagues, but to every heart that knew him or was touched by his goodness.
I truly miss him. After the great Shaheed Mufti Jamal Din (RA), he is the second martyr from our area, Muqam-Shahwali, Kupwara, whose funeral witnessed an overwhelming gathering. A massive number of people came to bid him farewell, proof of how deeply he was loved and respected.
Today, when I look back on those childhood memories, his warm smile, his firm handshake, his protective nature, his encouraging words, I feel a deep void, but also immense pride. His life is a lesson in bravery, humility, and humanity.
Martyrs never die. They live through the love of the people and the legacy they leave behind. Inspector Shah Israr-ul-Haq will forever remain a symbol of courage for our community, our school, and for me personally.
May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and give his family strength and patience.
یادوں کے چراغ آج بھی جلتے ہیں تیرے نام کے
اے اسرار بھائی، آپ گیا نہیں میری زندگی میں رُکا ہوا ہے
The writer can be reached at peermumtaz999@gmail.com
