Syed Nissar H. Gilani
This photograph, taken in 1986 at my official residence in Bandipora during my tenure as Tehsildar, brings back a flood of fond, indelible memories.
Standing alongside me are two exceptional officers and fine gentlemen:
Mr. Khawaja Sarwar: A dedicated police officer serving then as SHO Bandipora. Originally hailing from Gulgam, Kupwara, he went on to serve as a Superintendent of Police (SP) and is today living a peaceful retired life in HMT Mustafa Abad.
The late Mr. K.E. Joseph: Hailing from Kerala, who was then serving with the 122 Battalion of the CRPF (stationed directly within the Tehsil premises). He later retired as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP). Mr. Joseph was a remarkably generous, gentle soul. He remained in close personal touch with me for decades until his passing in 2024. I warmly recall the many quiet evenings we spent together, sharing meals and reflecting on life.
In front of us are two well-known brothers who were recognized at the time for being among the shortest individuals in the area—and likely across the entire Baramulla district back then. We had specially invited them to an official function where they were honored, not merely for their distinct physical traits, but for their resilience, skills, and engaging personalities. Both brothers were remarkably humble, hardworking, and deeply devoted to their families.
“Officers come and go, but memories—yaadein—remain forever etched in our hearts.”
A Touch of Science: Why Does Short Stature Occur with Average-Height Parents?
Looking back at this photograph often prompts a fundamental question: How can children born to parents of average height have short stature?
In medical science, the most common cause of short-statured dwarfism (specifically Achondroplasia) is a spontaneous genetic variation:
The Genetic Switch: In roughly 80% to 90% of cases, neither parent carries the gene or shows any physical trait of dwarfism. Instead, a spontaneous mutation occurs in a single gene—specifically FGFR3, which regulates bone growth—during early embryonic development.
Random Inheritance: Because it is a spontaneous genetic event, average-height parents can easily have a child with short stature by pure genetic chance, without any prior family history.
Nature presents itself in extraordinary variations, and these two brothers carried their unique traits with absolute dignity.
A Touch of Humor: When Sholay Saved the Day
Tact, goodwill, and personal rapport with the local community were always the true hallmarks of effective administration. I recall one particular afternoon when a political demonstration in the main Bandipora market escalated into a spell of minor stone-pelting.
As the local police officers and I stood on duty, the tension hung thick in the air. However, direct engagement and trust with the respectable elders of the town prevented things from taking an ugly turn. The confrontation gradually dissolved from tense stone-pelting into harmless catcalls and a good-humored battle of slogans.
Out of nowhere, one of the young protesters called out the iconic line from the movie Sholay: “Aray O Kalia… tera kya hoga?”
The sheer timing and humor of it broke the ice completely. A roar of laughter erupted from both sides—protesters, local police officers, and administrative personnel alike. The tension melted away instantly, replaced by mutual smiles and a compromise. That very evening, the respectable citizens of Bandipora and the district administration sat down together over a warm, joint peace committee dinner. Truly, those were golden times defined by mutual understanding and deep respect.
Reminiscing Bandipora: A Crucible of Intellect, Faith & Legacy
Serving in Bandipora in 1986 gave me the opportunity to connect deeply with an extraordinary land and its people. Bandipora has always been blessed with a conscious, highly educated, and dignified community.
Historically known as a land of Ilm, Adab, te Aab (Knowledge, Literature, and Water), Bandipora has produced many reputed and well-educated families—including the Rafiques, Nazkis, Fazalis, Andrabis, Mirs, Pirs, Bhats, and so many other distinguished lineages. Over the decades, this vibrant land has given birth to hundreds of bureaucrats, police commanders, judicial officers, doctors, engineers, scholars, scientists, and religious leaders, many of whom have settled in prominent positions across the globe.
It was during my posting here in Bandipora that I first met the late Syed Shujaat Bukhari as a young, promising man. Even then, his warmth, intellect, and commitment to truth were evident. He went on to rise to great professional heights, founding the daily newspaper Rising Kashmir and becoming a towering voice in Kashmiri journalism before his tragic martyrdom. Meeting such bright minds at the beginning of their journeys remains one of the greatest privileges of administrative life.
Overlooking this grand landscape, standing tall on a hill in Watlab, rests the revered tomb of Hazrat Baba Shukr-ud-Din Wali (RA), keeping a quiet, spiritual vigil over the majestic Wular Lake below. Nestled along these vast shores and high in the scenic hills, Bandipora has long served as the grand gateway and transit hub to the breathtaking valley of Gurez and Dawar. One can only hope that the pristine beauty of places like Athwatoo remains as enchanting today as it was during those golden years.
Social Media Reflections & Reconnections
Even before this full article reached print, sharing a preview photo and initial brief on Facebook drew an overwhelming response. The flood of comments from local residents, former colleagues, and readers proved how deeply people cherish the unwritten history of their hometowns:
Locational & Historical Footnotes: Coleagues like Er. Malik Manzoor UlHaq (who was posted at PWD R&B Bandipora alongside Er. N.A. Chesti) shared fond memories, pointing out that Mr. Joseph’s company was stationed inside the Tehsil complex, and recalling Khawaja Sarwar’s roots in Gulgam.
Goodwill & Updates: Readers like S.G.M. Andrabi updated us on Sarwar Sahib’s peaceful retired life today, while friends like Abdul Qayoom Khan, Aijaz Andrabi, and Javeed Gilani kindly reflected on those administrative years and the enduring warmth of local administration.
It is heartening to see how a single vintage photograph can rekindle shared bonds, fill in historical details, and preserve the living history of a place and its people. My sincere gratitude goes to every reader whose comments completed the missing pages of this memory.
The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. He can be reached via email at nisargilani57748@gmail.com
