In the backdrop of recent spiritual and commemorative events during the summer festivals and the sacred month of Muharram, the Jammu & Kashmir Fiction Writers Guild held its 334th literary session on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 2 PM at its head office at Heera Manzil, Central Market, Abi Guzar, Lal Chowk, following its tradition.
This special session had two main objectives:
1. To pay tribute to the eminent Kashmiri fiction writer, storyteller, and author Mr. Akhtar Mohiuddin.
2. To offer condolences and homage to renowned poet, filmmaker, and writer Mr. Shahid Budgami, who passed away earlier in the week.
The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Nasir Zamir, General Secretary of the Guild.
The session was presided over by the celebrated writer Prof. M. H. Zaffar, while noted fiction writer Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad Mushtaq was the session’s guest of honor.
The proceedings were conducted by Mr. Tanveer Aijaz.
During the session, several members shared personal reflections and views on the literary legacy of Mr. Akhtar Mohiuddin, followed by heartfelt tributes to Mr. Shahid Budgami and prayers for eternal peace for his soul.
The 334th session officially began with the literary presentations:
• Mr. Mohiuddin Rishi recited his Kashmiri short story “Shaitanat” (Mischief).
• Ms. Deeba Nazir presented her Kashmiri short story “Kaakad Parich” (Paper of Crows).
The stories were followed by in-depth discussions and critical reflections by the participating members. A round of questions and responses added further engagement.
Next, young writer and translator Mr. Mehdi Khawaja read an English translation of a chapter from Akhtar Mohiuddin’s Kashmiri novel “Jahannumuk Panun Panun Naar” (The Fires of Our Own Hell), which was appreciated by the audience.
Professor Hamida Naeem also presented her English translation of Akhtar Mohiuddin’s short story “Wanjih Hund Paj” (The Son of the Widow), which was warmly received.
Several distinguished members and guests participated in the gathering, including:
• Prof. Majrooh Rashid
• Prof. Hamida Naeem
• Mr. Deepak Kanwal
• Mr. Mushtaq B Barq
• Engineer Mohammad Shafi
• Mr. Shakeel-ur-Rehman
• Mr. Mohammad Yousuf Shaheen
• Mr. Safeer Ahmad
• Mr. Aqib Bashir
• Ms. Tasneem Akhtar
• Mr. Arshid Mushtaq
• Mr. Suhail Saleem
• Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Khan
• Mr. Javed Shabir
• Mr. Saleem Saalik
• Ms. Masooda Rajpuri
• Dr. Neelofar Naz Nahvi
• and a Russian guest, Madam Lala Azmilova
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Nasir Zamir, the General Secretary, who expressed gratitude to all participants and guests.
