2 sons killed, 2 missing in custody; Mother lives in poverty

Her life came to a standstill when his son Bashir Ahmad Sofi was allegedly picked up by troops of 14 Rashtriya Rifles in 1995 from his shop in Onagam. He was not seen thereafter.

EJAZ-UL-HAQ

Hajira Begum of Onagam Bandipora, whose two sons were killed in encounters with army and other two went missing in army custody, has spent years to locate the whereabouts of the latter.

Her life came to a standstill when his son Bashir Ahmad Sofi was allegedly picked up by troops of 14 Rashtriya Rifles in 1995 from his shop in Onagam. He was not seen thereafter.

“To avenge this, my sons Nazir Ahmad and Muhammad Rafiq joined militant ranks. Both were killed in separate encounters at Panzigam and Athwatoo. My youngest son Aijaz Ahmad was also picked up by troops. He too disappeared.”

“Army shattered my family and my husband also died because of mental trauma he suffered due to death and disappearance of our children,” Hajira says.

Seeking to locate her sons Bashir Ahmad Sofi and Aijaz Ahmad Sofi, Hajira has battled all the way. In her struggle, she has joined hands with Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP).

After years of struggle, Hajira lives in abject poverty. Though she has two other sons but they have abandoned her and are living separately with their families.

However, the brave lady hasn’t lost hope and is fighting despite all odds.

The only people whom she praises for helping her to continue her struggle is Parveena Ahanger, Chairperson APDP and some media persons. “Parveena provides me medicines, clothes and all other necessities,” says Hajira. “She is the only source of bread and butter for me and she is the only one who takes care of me.”

“I have nobody to take care of me except God and then Parveena,” she adds.

Hajira lives in a one-room house. “The monthly stock that I need is all provided by Parveena, from clothes to eatables. Had she not been there for me, I would have died of hunger. She has been supporting me for past 12 years and sometimes media persons also offer a helping hand.”