Qayoom Khan
Pulwama, November 24: Sixty year old Khadija Begum, who was suffering from cancer, died today evening at Kareemabad village of Pulwama district without seeing her son for the last time who has been detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) outside Valley.
Khadija Begum, the mother of 23-year old Muhammad Shafi Sheikh, was suffering from cancer when her son was arrested by police on September 11 for taking part in anti-India protests during the ongoing uprising. Subsequently on September 22, he was slapped with PSA and was shifted to Kathua Jail where he is still languishing.
The family and relatives of Khadija said she was craving for her son’s last glimpse till the moment she breathed her last. They while quoting deceased Khadija said: “Has Shafi come? Has Shafi come? Has Shafi Come?” They said soon after repeatedly enquiring about her son, the unfortunate mother breathed her last this evening and left for heavenly abode.
The family members of detained youth said that given the disease his mother was suffering they had already appealed police and civil administration to release him but their plea was ignored and today a mother has died without seeing her son. “This is inhuman and cruel on part of State Government,” they said.
The family members of the youth said the authorities “at least now should release him so that he can see his mother’s face before her last rites”. “If they an iota of humanity in their hearts, let them free our son and bring back here this night only,” they said.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Muneer-ul-Islam when contacted by GNS said that he will try to do his best to make sure that detained youth attends the last rites of his mother. “Though it is a high-level matter but I will try my best,” he said. The DC admitted that the family of the youth had sought his release because of Khadija’s critical situation. “I had already taken up the matter with Home Secretary,” he said.
The funeral of the deceased woman meanwhile will be offered at Eidgah Kareemabad tomorrow at 11 am, his family informed.(GNS)