LONDON: Professor Nazir Ahmad Shawl, a prominent Kashmiri activist and scholar based in the United Kingdom, breathed his last in London on Friday at the age of 77.
His passing marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to the pursuit of peace, education, and the Kashmir cause.
Professor Shawl had been battling health issues for the past two months and had been receiving medical treatment at a hospital in London, where he succumbed to complications arising from kidney and respiratory diseases.
Originally hailing from Baramulla, Professor Shawl relocated to Pakistan in 1991. In 2004, he made the UK his home and assumed the leadership of the Kashmir Center London.
His legacy extended beyond activism as he authored numerous books and held pivotal roles as the editor of publications such as the daily Kashmir Mirror, Sana News Agency, and Kashmir Press International. He also served as the Executive Director of the Kashmir Center UK.
Professor Shawl’s academic journey began with a master’s degree in Botany from Kashmir University, followed by a Master’s in Education from Himachal Pradesh University.
He commenced his professional career at St. Joseph’s Institute in Baramulla and later joined the Department of Education as a professor.
Furthermore, he played a vital role as the Chairman of the South Asia Center for Peace and Human Rights, a prominent think tank. Among his notable publications are “Speaking Silence,” “Weeping Wisdom,” and “Tormented Past and Broken Present.”
Throughout his illustrious career, he held various positions, including professor and researcher in Botany, coordinator of UNICEF-assisted project PECR, and Chief Test Administrator at Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS-Bombay).
Professor Shawl’s writings emphasised human rights concerns in different conflict areas, with a particular focus on the Kashmir cause and grave human rights violations in J&K.
As the chief editor of Kashmir Press International (KPI), he played a vital role in bringing attention to the issues faced by the Kashmiri people. Additionally, he established a think tank, the South Asia Centre for Peace and Human Rights, of which he served as the chairman in London.
Professor Shawl was been admitted to a hospital in London due to serious illness on December 23 last..
According to Kashmir Media Service, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl was suffering from breast infection and kidney failure.
Barrister Abdul Majid Tramboo expressed his grief, stating, “We have lost a dedicated leader, but also a true family man. I have lost someone who is truly my brother. However, his fearless legacy stays with us.”
Earlier, Kashmiri leader Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo informed about his illness and appealed for prayers for his health.
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