Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 31: As the nation immerses itself in the joyous celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan with feasts, prayers, and communal festivities, a starkly different scene unfolds in the small village of Chamba in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. Here, the air is heavy with grief rather than jubilation, as the community has consciously set aside the traditional revelry to mourn the loss of one of its own. The village stands united in somber solidarity with the family of Selection Grade Constable Tariq Ahmad of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, a local hero who laid down his life in the line of duty just days ago.
On March 27, 2025, Tariq Ahmad was killed during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Safiyan operation in the Rajbagh area of Kathua district, a region that has witnessed a surge in terror-related incidents in recent months. The tragic irony of his death lies in the timing: just a day earlier, on March 26, Tariq had spoken to his four-year-old daughter, Haza Akthar, promising her with the warmth of a devoted father that he would return home to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr with her. He had likely envisioned sharing sweets, laughter, and precious moments with his little girl, as families across the country prepared for the festival. But fate intervened cruelly, ensuring that his promise remained unfulfilled, leaving Haza and her family enveloped in sorrow instead of celebration.
Chamba is a predominantly Hindu village that is also home to a small but tightly knit community of 20-25 Muslim families.
In an extraordinary display of unity and empathy, the Muslim residents of Chamba have chosen to forgo their Eid festivities this year, a decision that reflects their deep respect and shared grief for Tariq’s sacrifice. This act of restraint is not merely a gesture but a powerful testament to the village’s collective spirit, where religious differences dissolve in the face of human loss.
Sham Singh, the Sarpanch of Baghta Panchayat, which includes Chamba village, articulated the sentiment that binds the community together. “Our Muslim brethren have decided not to celebrate Eid this year to stand in solidarity with the family of martyr Tariq Ahmad,” he said. “On the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the entire village gathered at the martyr’s home to offer their support and condolences.” This gathering was not a formal ceremony but a spontaneous outpouring of compassion, as Hindus and Muslims alike came together to honor a man who gave his life protecting the region’s peace and security.
Tariq Ahmad’s death has cast a long shadow over Chamba, a village accustomed to the quiet rhythms of rural life and the occasional influx of pilgrims passing through Katra. His sacrifice in the Safiyan operation—a mission aimed at neutralizing a terrorist threat—underscores the ever-present dangers faced by security personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, a region long plagued by militancy. Yet, in the wake of his martyrdom, Chamba has responded not with division or despair, but with a remarkable unity that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
This quiet, resolute act of communal mourning in Chamba serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of communities that bear its brunt. By choosing to stand with Tariq’s grieving family—his wife, young daughter Haza, and other loved ones—the villagers have woven a tapestry of solidarity that honors his memory and elevates the values of empathy and togetherness. In a world often fractured by differences, Chamba’s response to tragedy shines as a beacon of hope, proving that even in the darkest moments, humanity can prevail. |
