J&K school renamed to honour sacrifice of tourist guide Adil

Srinagar: J&K government on Wednesday renamed a government school in southern Kashmir's Hapatnar area as a tribute to slain tourist guide Adil Hussain Shah, who was killed during the Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025 while trying to save tourists.

The school, earlier known as Hapatnar High School, was officially renamed as Shaheed Adil Memorial High School during a ceremony attended by the state minister Sakeena Itoo in Anantnag district.

Shah was the only local who lost his life while protecting tourists during the attack, in which 25 tourists were killed. The attack later triggered Operation Sindoor, under which India launched strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.


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"Adil's courage and sacrifice will always be remembered. His selfless act of risking his own life to save visitors reflected extraordinary bravery and humanity. Nobody can forget this," Itoo told media persons during the function.

She said that the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government fulfilled its promise with the consistent effort of the local MLA, Altaf Kaloo.

The minister recalled visiting the attack site in Pahalgam on the evening of the incident and spending the whole night in the area, overlooking the rescue operation. "The incident left a deep impact on everyone. The government's decision to rename the school was aimed at honouring the martyrdom and ensuring that future generations remember his sacrifice," said Itoo.

She said that the recognition would also provide emotional support to the bereaved family, as Shah's name would continue to inspire people for years to come.