Waseem Gul
In the serene village of Watrigam, nestled within the picturesque landscape of Anantnag in Kashmir, a chilling and heart-wrenching incident unfolded on the fateful evening of October 4th, 2023. What started as an uneventful evening soon turned into a horrifying ordeal for the Dar family, shedding light on the relentless brutality faced by common Kashmiris at the hands of terrorists.
Sahil Ahmad Dar, a 17-year-old, was a dedicated student in the 10th grade. He was also the courageous son of Bashir Ahmad Dar, the owner of the house where this haunting episode transpired. On that ill-fated night, as the clock neared 8:10 PM, the tranquility of the household was shattered by the sudden appearance of two masked terrorists.
Initially, these intruders were mistaken by Sahil as mere thieves, common criminals seeking to exploit the dark of night for their sinister deeds. Ignoring the risks and armed only with his instincts and bravery, Sahil confronted the masked figures, blocking their path and vehemently denying them entry into his family’s home. It was a courageous act borne out of sheer innocence, for Sahil could not have known that he was facing terrorists.
As tensions spiraled out of control, a scuffle ensued between Sahil and the masked terrorists. In the midst of this terrifying confrontation, a gunshot pierced the night air, and Sahil fell victim to an act of violence that defied comprehension. The bullet found its mark, inflicting a grievous wound upon this brave young man, the impact devastatingly visible on his neck and face.
Without a moment’s delay, the wounded teenager was rushed to GMC cum Associated DH Anantnag, where medical professionals worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. Recognizing the severity of his injuries, Sahil was subsequently referred to SKIMS Soura for specialized and advanced medical treatment. As Sahil’s life hung in the balance, his family and the entire community anxiously prayed for his recovery, rallying around this symbol of courage and resilience in the face of terror.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of medical professionals and the prayers of a hopeful community, Sahil Ahmad Dar succumbed to his injuries on the grim morning of October 5th. His untimely death was not merely a personal loss to his family but a stark reminder of the vulnerability that common Kashmiris face when caught in the crossfire of terrorism.
For years, terrorists have exploited the desperation of Kashmiri families, using their dire circumstances as a means of control. As these terrorists find themselves losing support and influence, they resort to increasingly desperate measures, such as targeting innocent civilians like Sahil. However, these acts of violence only serve to expose the true nature of their agenda – one that seeks to maintain control through fear and intimidation.
The Kashmiri people have endured immense suffering for far too long. While these incidents may momentarily shake their resolve, they also serve as a rallying cry for the end of such atrocities. Both the security forces and the local community remain unwaveringly committed to bringing these terrorists to justice and ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for all Kashmiris.
In the face of such adversity, the people of Kashmir stand resilient, united in their determination to end the reign of terror and rebuild their lives. These cowardly acts by terrorists will not deter their pursuit of peace, justice, and a better tomorrow. The common Kashmiri, like Sahil Dar, deserves nothing less than a life free from fear and violence.
The international community must take note of these repeated atrocities against common Kashmiris and unequivocally condemn the actions of terrorist groups like the TRF. It is imperative to support diplomatic and humanitarian efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace to the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of the people who have endured a protracted and painful conflict.