Colleagues Pool Money to Support the Family of Deceased PhD Scholar Killed in Bandipora Road Accident
Srinagar, July 17, KNT: Colleagues, friends and teachers are pooling money to help the family of a Phd Scholar from the Department of Botony in Kashmir University.
A tragic road accident in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district claimed the life of Zubair Ahmad, a young PhD scholar and educator, whose untimely death has triggered grief, anger, and growing demands for justice and financial support for his bereaved family.
Zubair Ahmad Rather, a resident of Ajas Bandipora was hit by an army vehicle earlier this week. The incident occurred on the main road near Asham, and he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. His sudden death has plunged the academic community into mourning, with colleagues, political leaders, and civil society calling the incident deeply unfortunate.
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Having completed his PhD in Education from the University of Kashmir, Zubair had recently begun teaching at a private educational academy in the Ganderbal district to support his family. Those who knew him describe him as a soft-spoken and dedicated teacher who came from a modest background and was deeply committed to the cause of education and social upliftment.
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He is survived by his wife and three minor daughters, whose future now hangs in uncertainty. The scholar was the sole breadwinner of the family, and his death has left them in a vulnerable position.
Zubair Ahmad,a PhD scholar from Ajas, Bandipora lost his life after being hit by a speeding Army vehicle. His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the cost of negligence. My deepest condolences to his family & loved ones.This loss demands not just mourning, but accountability.
— M Y Tarigami (@tarigami) July 16, 2025
Recognizing the urgent need for support, his colleagues and former teachers at Kashmir University came together to pool financial contributions for immediate relief. “It is the least we could do for someone who gave so much to education and society,” said one of his former professors. However, they stressed that long-term financial assistance from the government is crucial to help the family rebuild their lives.
The incident has also drawn strong political reactions. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to X (formerly Twitter), expressing her condolences and concern: “Zubair Ahmad, a PhD scholar, lost his life after being hit by an army vehicle in Safapora. A tragic loss of a young, educated soul. His family, especially his three daughters, deserve justice and government support.”
Senior CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami also posted: “Anguished by the death of Zubair Ahmad. The government must take immediate steps to provide justice and financial relief to the family of the deceased.”
Zubair’s former students and fellow scholars held a condolence gathering, recalling his commitment to education and his selfless approach toward teaching. “He was not just a teacher, but a mentor who helped many of us believe in our dreams despite hardship,” said a student who attended his academy. [KNT]
