Tale of terror victims; father killed, mother remarried
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Dec 13: With handing over of appointment letters by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, four next of kin of terror victims in the Kashmir valley got the jobs after 25 to 26 years wait and they along with their families including elderly citizens had to live miserable lives during most of this period.
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A total of 39 job letters were given by the LG today to the Next of Kin of terror victims.
Though the victims lost their elderly ones in the family, mostly the lone breadwinners, they were denied the compassionate appointments for a period ranging between 25 to 26 years. During all this period, the terror victim families had to undergo trauma as in two of the cases wives of the victims remarried leaving their children with grandparents. However, they got the justice in the shape of compassionate appointment letters of the Government jobs in Kashmir today.
Riyaz Ahmad Mir, a resident of Monghali in Anantnag district of South Kashmir was killed by the Pakistan backed terrorists on May 3, 1999 i.e. more than 26 years ago. Mir left behind his wife and minor daughter Pakeeza Riyaz. However, his wife, unable to cope with emotional and financial burden, remarried leaving Pakeeza with grandparents.
“The family, which had depended entirely on Riyaz Ahmad’s earnings, suddenly found itself in dire financial straits. The old parents, already in the evening of their lives, had to step into the role of both caregivers and breadwinners for a young child, struggling to meet even basic needs. Dreams of a secure future for Pakeeza were replaced by daily worries about survival. After 26 years, the family has received justice and dignity,” the officials said.
Rozy Jan’s story is not too different. Her father Fayaz Ahmed Ganie and grandfather Dilawar Ganie were kidnapped and killed by the terrorists outside their house at Qazigund, also in Anantnag district on February 4, 2000. In a single day, Rozy lost her father and grandfather, the two pillars of her life, two generations of support and guidance. The family home, which once echoed with inter-generational warmth, suddenly turned into a place marked by silence, grief and fear.
“This double tragedy was not only an emotional devastation but also a financial catastrophe. Both Dilawar and Fayaz were the primary earning members of the family. Their sudden and violent demise left the household without any source of stable income. The family was pushed into immediate financial crisis, struggling to afford basic necessities and forced to confront an uncertain future without the security that the deceased had worked tirelessly to provide. Rozy received the appointment letter after over 25 years,” the officials said.
On May 5, 1999, brother of Abdul Rehman Lone, a Special Police Officer (SPO) in JKP son of Abdul Razak Lone, a resident of Lessu Branard, Larnoo, Anantnag informed Police Station Kokernag that some terrorists had forcibly entered their house and killed his SPO brother. The crime was carried out inside the family home, turning a place of safety into the scene of an unimaginable tragedy.
“Abdul Rehman had joined the Police Department out of a strong sense of duty and a desire to serve the nation. He was known among colleagues and locals as a sincere, disciplined, and courageous officer. On the fateful day, when confronted by the enemies of peace, he resisted bravely, upholding the very oath he had taken, even at the cost of his life. His courage and sacrifice are matters that will be remembered and respected for generations to come,” the officials said.
The deceased was survived by his old aged parents and one brother (Mohd Asharaf Lone). He was the only bread earner of the family. His untimely death plunged the family into deep shock and grief. Beyond the emotional devastation, the financial impact was severe: his younger brother, who had dreams of continuing his education, was compelled to abandon his studies and work as a labourer simply to keep the family afloat.
“Thus, the family not only lost a beloved son and brother, but also their sole economic support and their hopes for upward mobility through education. Their suffering is a combination of emotional trauma, financial hardship, and the painful knowledge that their loss came while the deceased was in the line of duty, standing firmly on the side of law and order. Justice and dignity delivered to the families after long wait of 26 years,” the officials said.
Another SPO Irshad Ahmed son of Mohammad Ramzan Sofi, a resident of Subhanpota, Bijbehara in Anantnag district was killed by the terrorists on September 26, 1999 while his brother Feroz Ahmad Sofi was injured.
As per the officials, Irshad had participated in multiple counter-terrorism operations and played an active role in eliminating terrorists from the valley. He was widely regarded as a dedicated and courageous policeman who carried out his duties with exceptional commitment. His colleagues saw in him a true role model, embodying the values of bravery, selflessness, and unwavering service to the nation.
“The attack inside his own home was not just an assault on one individual but an attempt to terrorize an entire family and community. For his aged mother, siblings, and wife, the memory of that night remains etched in their minds-the sudden gunfire, the rush to the hospital, and the unbearable moment when they were told he had not survived.
“As far as the family strength of the deceased is concerned, he left behind an old age mother, a wife, two brothers, and one sister. Subsequently, his wife remarried after his death. Being the eldest among his siblings, Irshad had been the primary support for the family, guiding and helping them in every possible way to make ends meet. With his passing, the family lost not only its main earner but also its emotional anchor. The family was delivered justice today and his brother was handed over the appointment letter,” the officials said.
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