In the remote village of Guree, nestled in the hills of Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district, a mother's life has turned upside down. Shahzada Bano’s world was shattered when her son, Adil Hussain Thoker, became linked to the devastating Pahalgam attack that took the lives of 26 people. Her home, once filled with hope, was destroyed, along with the dreams of a peaceful life for her family.
From Student to Suspect
Adil was once a promising student, known for his dedication and bright future. In 2018, he left for an examination in Badgam, and that was the last time his family heard from him. The silence that followed was unbearable. His mother, father, and siblings filed a missing persons report, desperately searching for answers. Yet, years later, Adil's name surfaced in connection with one of the most tragic attacks the region had seen in recent memory.
A Mother's Desperate Request
As the authorities raided her home and tore down the walls she had once cherished, Shahzada could only plead for peace. The security forces informed her that Adil had visited home recently, a revelation that left her reeling. But despite the pain, she remains calm, asking only one thing of her son: "If he is involved, I urge him to surrender so that we can live in peace."
It’s a mother’s cry for reconciliation, a wish that her son’s return might bring closure, not just for her, but for the whole family.
Family’s Fate Torn Apart
In the aftermath of the attack, Adil’s family has faced the full weight of the law. His father, brothers, and cousins were detained for questioning, leaving the household in turmoil. The destruction of their home is a cruel reminder of the consequences of one individual’s choices — choices that have broken not only lives but entire families.
Neighbors Left in Shock
The villagers who once knew Adil as a quiet, promising young man are now left to grapple with the reality that the boy they knew may have become someone unrecognizable. Their disbelief mirrors that of the family, who are caught between grief and an overwhelming desire for the truth to come out. For Shahzada, the hardest part is not just the fear of what’s to come, but the pain of seeing her home — once a sanctuary — torn apart.
Final Thoughts
As the family struggles with their loss and the trauma of the attack, Shahzada's plea resonates far beyond her village. It’s a cry for peace, for an end to the violence that has haunted her family and the region for years. The destruction of a home, the arrest of family members, and the uncertain future are stark reminders of the cost of conflict. But amidst the ruins, there is still a glimmer of hope — a mother’s love, and her dream for her son’s surrender, so that peace can return to their lives.
