Jammu and Kashmir Hotelier’s Club and PHD Chamber of Commerce, Kashmir chapter on Monday honoured the slain tourist guide Rouf Ahmad Dar, who sacrificed his life while saving tourists in Pahalgam during a boat capsize in Ladder River.
The apex bodies said that Dar’s laying down of life in orderto save the life of five tourists was a sign of selfless service which reflectsKashmiri hospitality and warmth. The members of these umbrella bodies on Mondayvisited Dar’s residence and handed over cash assistance of Rs 1 lakhs each tohis family.
Members of JKHC and PHD Chamber also handed over braveryawards to Dar’s father in memory of the slain tourist guide. Among those whovisited the residence of Dar includes PHD Chamber co-chairman Baldev SinghRaina and Mukhtar Shah of PHD Chamber. Chairman, JK Hoteliers Club, MushtaqAhmad Chaya, Mir Imaad Rafi who heads the Pahalgam chapter of Hoteliers club,Sheikh Marouf, vice-president of Pahalgam chapter of Hoteliers Club andSecretary Hoteliers Club, Tariq Rashid Ghani were also part of the team thatvisited residence of the slain tourist guide.
Mushtaq Chaya at the occasion said Dar’s efforts to savelives of the tourists was a symbol of bravery which must be appreciated byevery section of society. “The way he laid down his life while saving life ofthe tourists is remarkable and sends across a message of real Kashmiriyat. At atime when there has been misportrayal of Kashmir and a negative image of theValley has been created, Rouf’s bravery and selfless service deserves hugerespect,” Chaya said. Chaya described Dar a real hero whose contribution willgo “a long way in holding high flag of Kashmir tourism and hospitality.
While extending his condolences, Baldev Singh RainaCo-Chairman PHD Chamber Kashmir said, “This young boy has taught us the truemeaning of heroism. Rouf performed this selfless act without regard for his ownsafety and life. He has set an example of distinguished courage, bravery, andself-sacrifice. We draw inspiration from such heroism of the fallen. Thesemundane acts which inspire us and desire to do good for the sake of the public”