Some lives are not measured by wealth, fame, or comfort, they are measured by the number of hearts they lift, the tears they wipe, and the voices they become for those who cannot speak. Manzoor Ahmad Matahanji, popularly known as Manzoor Brug was one such life. His passing is not just the loss of a person, but the silencing of a powerful voice that stood firmly with the oppressed, the poor, and the forgotten. His passing is a deep loss not just to the village and community, but to the unheard and the unheard of those who found in him a voice, a shield, and a source of hope. With him, the voiceless had a listener, the oppressed had a defender, and the forgotten had hope.
Born into hardship, he grew up knowing struggle not as a story, but as a daily reality. Yet, instead of allowing life’s difficulties to harden him, they shaped him into a man of deep empathy, resilience, and unshakable courage. He understood pain because he had lived it and that is why he could never turn away from the suffering of others.
Manzoor Ahmad Matahanji was more than a community member; he was a pillar of strength and a symbol of hope. He stood with the common people, especially the Hanji community, becoming their unwavering voice in times when injustice, suppression, and neglect threatened to drown their concerns. He never feared authority when truth needed to be spoken. His courage was quiet but firm, and his commitment to justice was not for recognition, but for the dignity of his people.
Throughout his life, he remained deeply involved in community affairs, politics and local leadership. In his later years, he served his village as Sarpanch, taking part in important Gram Panchayat decisions and always placing the welfare of the people above all interests. Leadership for him was not a position, it was a responsibility.
Though known for his strength and bold stance, those close to him knew another side i.e. a soft heart filled with kindness. He was gentle in his dealings and concern and always ready to help without expecting anything in return.
Above all, he was a devoted father who believed that education was the greatest inheritance he could give his children. Despite limited means and countless hardships, he left no stone unturned to secure a better future for them. He knocked on every door, endured every struggle, and sacrificed his own comfort so his children could stand with dignity in society. By the grace of Allah and his relentless dedication, his children grew into educated and responsible individuals, a living example to his vision and perseverance.
As someone who studied alongside his son Mohammad Dilawar and Daughter and later had the honour of working with Mohammad Dilawar in the J&K Forest Department, I witnessed firsthand the values he passed on, humility, discipline, and sincerity. Visits to their home remain unforgettable, especially the way his eyes would light up when speaking about his children’s future. I still remember and often recall the spark in his eyes when he spoke about his children’s education. His advice was simple yet profound: “Seek education, leave the rest to God.” The emotion in his voice when he spoke of his struggles and dreams still lingers in the hearts of those who heard him. Those emotional moments, filled with both pain and hope, still move the heart.
Manzoor Sahib lived not for himself, but for others. He stood tall in times when many remained silent. He gave strength when people felt weak. He chose justice when injustice was easier.
Today, tears flow not only from grief, but from gratitude, gratitude for a life that touched so many and inspired even more.
May Almighty Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous and bless his family with Sabr-e-Jameel in this immense and irreplaceable loss.
His voice may have fallen silent, but his impact will echo for generations.His legacy lives on not only in his family, but in every life he touched and uplifted
Author, hailing from Bandipora, is a writer and can be reached

Email:-----------------saltafrasool@yahoo.com