Umer Wani
Another month has passed and the situation in Kashmir is as it was on July 8th 2016. As a clear example of how circumstances affect the young minds, I saw that the Kashmiri children, who are unfortunately the witness of and sufferers from violence, are now becoming violent themselves.
A place known as Malaknag in South Kashmir’s Anantnag (Islamabad) district has a lot of historical importance attached to it. The religion or political ideology has never come in the way of this area, and every time showers the affection towards any outsider visiting the area. In this ongoing unrest, little efforts towards helping the people of Kashmir in the hour of need in multiple ways, has been also promoted.
In the face of grave danger together due to either grenade blasts or curfews as such, people would hardly find any ray of hope. Grief has surrounded this beautiful, affectionate locality, a teacher, a guru and a guide who fell to the grenade sprinkters has left for heavenly abode. Bilal Soub, we the students used to call him with this name.
On September 12th 2016 evening, forces left for barracks, once again there was life in deserted markets and people throng in good number to shop for the Eid Ul Azha. Bilal Soub who after praying the Maghrib Prayers from nearby Masjid went to the market to buy an “Abbaya”- “long gown” for two years old daughter. In between, a grenade was hurdled at Police vehicle which was parked in the busy market Sher Bagh. There was chaos, people ran for their lives and some fell to the grenade sprinters. Bilal soub stopped and helped the injured ones to take them to hospital. But the fate has something else stored for him. He felt down and was taken to the hospital, wherein he was declared brought dead.
The news was so shocking and unexpected that I could hardly comprehend the meaning of the words, “Bilal Sir got martyrdom”. I had a dazed feeling. I saw him lying on the stretcher. Face was pale and eyes semi closed. I heard as if in a dream, “Bilal Sir is no more”. I immediately saw that this was a dangerous sentiment and could have the most unfortunate far reaching repercussions. I could hear the screams, cries, slogans, gun shots, grenades- shell sounds, sirens from the pessimism of my room.
Strict curfew remained enforced throughout the valley on the day of Eid Ul Azha and it was for the first time in the history of Kashmir. People were completely demoralized and suffering from a sense of utter helplessness. Indian forces were on toes. Atmosphere was charged with fear. At any time anything can happen is the common talk of elders. Maybe someone may lose his life. Maybe security forces may barg into the houses and may frisk away anyone at their will. I am witness seeing people running here and there to save their lives.
A huge gathering of people marching down the Malaknag street chanting slogans “Jab Tak Sooraj Chaand Rahega, Bilal tera naam rahega.” Streets are bathed with blood. Cries of innocents are still echoing in the far long skies. As the time went on the thirst for the freedom in young boys is arousing and it is becoming intense day by day. Increase in civilian casualties developed anger among people and is affecting them physically as well as psychologically.
Frustration, grief, quandary and meagerness! My heart is bleeding over my teacher’s death and all those who laid their lives during this unrest. I couldn’t control myself to remain confined to four walls at home. I went out and was not knowing, where the desperation will lead me. There is need to address the trauma, anxiety and various psychological issues that victims are undergoing or expected to undergo.
Rest in Peace, my dear teacher Bilal Ahamd Dar.
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