Najam ud Din the Great: A Journey through Time…Sheikh Abdul Momin

Certain people enter our lives and leave such a profound impact that even time cannot erase it. For me, that person was Najam-ud-din Khan—affectionately known as “Najam Uncle.” — A man who carried me in his arms when I was a child. I can still remember that picture at that moment, a frozen piece of time where I am cradled in his strong arms.

Growing up far from Kashmir, amidst rented homes and shifting cities, it was individuals like Najam Uncle who kept our roots alive. He was more than a visitor; he was a bridge to the land we longed for. His visits were not just occasions of joy, but a reminder of our connection to Kashmir. With each visit, he brought refreshments and small gifts, his smile conveying that, despite the miles and years separating us, our roots remained deeply embedded in the soil of Kashmir.

My father often recounts his first meeting with Najam Uncle in Tekipora, a village in the Lolab Valley. It was September 1977, during an Ijtima organized by the Students Islamic Organization. The atmosphere was charged with youthful energy, all focused on the future of Kashmir. It was there, amidst this fervor, that my father met Najam-ud-din Khan for the first time. There was something striking about him, my father recalls—a silent yet commanding presence, a natural leader who exuded authority without ever needing to raise his voice. Najam Uncle wasn’t just an ordinary person; he was a force of nature that could illuminate the darkest places. He never sought attention or accolades but devoted his life to the cause of Kashmir with a rare sense of service. To him, the struggle wasn’t merely about politics or land—it was about people and ensuring future generations could live in freedom and dignity

Even when life took them in different directions, the bond between my father and Najam Uncle never weakened. In 2018, they embarked on the journey of Umrah together. Baba often reminisces about sitting with him in the cool morning light at that blessed place. Those days in the holy city were not only filled with reflection but also with the warmth of a friendship that had endured countless challenges. Najam Uncle’s unwavering faith in the cause of Kashmir seemed to shine even brighter during those sacred days

Life has a way of changing in an instant. In July 2021, my father spent two treasured days with Uncle Najam in Muzaffarabad. They laughed; reminisced, and talked about the future—two old friends bound by a lifetime of shared experiences and a deep love for Kashmir. Unbeknownst to my father, those would be their final moments together. Just a month later, on August 24th, 2021, Uncle Najam passed away, leaving us feeling as though a piece of our hearts had been taken from us.

The memory of bidding Najam Uncle a final farewell still sends a shiver through me. It was heart-wrenching to lose someone so deeply connected to our family by love, respect, and genuine affection. The grief from his absence is indescribable, especially because it was shaped by the unique bond we shared with him. Though he lived far away, his strong will and powerful personality left a lasting impression on us all. He was a wise and devoted man with whom we could sit and talk for hours, a living link to our past, and someone we loved as if he were our own.

Najam Uncle’s story endures beyond his passing, as his legacy lives on through his family’s dedication to the cause of freedom in Kashmir. His brother, Martyr Abdul Quyoom Khan, along with his cousins, Martyr Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai and Martyr Junaid Ashraf Sehrai, are etched into the history of our struggle. Their names are more than mere words; they symbolize unwavering determination and self-sacrifice. Their stories remind us that the liberation struggle transcends politics, encompassing the essence of human existence. It is a testament to how entire families and generations have sacrificed everything to fulfill the long-standing desire for an independent Kashmir.

The tale of Najam Uncle and his family is a profound testament to human resilience. Their story is not just about enduring hardship but about unwavering dedication, no matter how long the struggle or how heavy the burden. Their sacrifices—those of the Lolab family, Najam-ud-din Khan, and many others—embody not just the ideal of freedom but are etched in blood, tears, and unyielding will. Their legacy stands as a beacon of hope for all who dream of a Free Kashmir.

The flame of freedom will never be extinguished as long as we remember their sacrifices and carry their stories with us. Najam Uncle’s legacy transcends his own life, becoming an integral part of Kashmir’s ongoing narrative. It is through this collective memory and continued effort that we hope, Inshallah, to see his dream of a free Kashmir realized.

The Writer is currently working at Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK)