London, Professor Nazir Ahmed Shawl, a prominent Kashmiri leader and advocate for the Kashmiri cause, passed away in London at the age of 77 after a brief illness.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Professor Shawl was admitted to a hospital in London on December 23 due to serious illness, including chest infection and kidney problems, and passed away shortly after. A multilingual individual, he was renowned as an educationist, author, poet, and human rights defender. Born in Baramulla, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, on October 13, 1946, Shawl received his education in sciences and post-graduated in Botany from Kashmir University, specializing in ecology. He furthered his education in education at Himachal Pradesh University, India, and also trained in curriculum development.

Shawl began his professional career at St. Josephs’ Institute, Baramulla, and later joined the government education department, contributing significantly to educational theory and practices. He held various positions, including Professor and researcher in Botany, field advisor in Sciences, and coordinator of UNICEF assisted projects.

In 1991, Shawl migrated to Pakistan and began working for the Kashmir cause, representing veteran Kashmiri leader Syed Ali Gilani in the APHC-AJK chapter. He served as Chief Editor of various news agencies and then moved to the UK in 2004, heading the Kashmir Centre, London. Shawl led the Organisation of Kashmir Coalition (OKC) and founded the South Asia Centre for Peace and Human Rights.

He was instrumental in introducing the Kashmir conflict in policy-making institutions and organized several conferences, seminars, and exhibitions to highlight the Kashmir issue. Shawl also authored several books, including “Speaking Silence,” “Weeping Wisdom,” and “Tormented Past and Bruised Present.”

The Kashmir Media Service staff expressed deep condolences to Shawl’s family, praying for the departed soul’s eternal peace. Kashmiri leader Barrister Abdul Majeed Tramboo paid rich tributes to Shawl, recalling his dedication and character. The OKC statement noted Shawl’s significant contributions to the Kashmiri self-determination movement, acknowledging the profound loss his passing represents.

In his final message from the hospital, Shawl urged unity in supporting the Kashmiris’ Right to Self-Determination.