Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Jan 25:
The elderly parents of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riaz Ahmed, who has been active in militancy for nearly 15 years in Kishtwar district, have made an emotional appeal to their son to shun the path of violence and surrender before the security forces to lead a peaceful life.
Octogenarians Janna Begum and Mohammad Ramzan said that at a time when they needed their son the most in their old age, he chose the wrong path. Breaking down while speaking to mediapersons, Janna Begum urged Riaz to listen to their plea and lay down arms. A similar appeal was also made by his father, Mohammad Ramzan.
Riaz Ahmed, a resident of Anyar village in Marwah area of Kishtwar, carries a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on his head and has been categorised as an A-category terrorist by security agencies. He, along with Hizb’s longest surviving commander Mohammad Amin Butt and Mudassir Ahmed, are stated to be the only remaining local militants operating in Kishtwar district.
Speaking in a recorded byte, Janna Begum appealed to her son to surrender and return home.
“What can I say to him except to surrender and come back. Let him take responsibility of our care and at least give shoulder to my coffin, as my age is close to death. I do not want anything from him anymore — only that he returns and stands by me after all the suffering I have gone through,” she said.
Questioning the idea of militancy in the name of religion, she said, “What kind of jihad is this? Is jihad meant to make parents suffer when they need their child the most? He left us like a traveller and abandoned us. There is no one here to take care of us.”
She further said that no religious preacher or Imam has come forward to help them. “No one is helping us. Everyone is afraid to even visit our home,” she added.
Holding Pakistan responsible for her family’s plight, Janna Begum said, “Yes, Pakistan is behind destroying our home. It has ruined our happiness and left us like vagabonds.”
Reacting to the emotional appeal made by the parents, Dy SP HQ Kishtwar Dr Ishan Gupta said that such developments clearly indicate a change in public sentiment against terrorism and reflect growing awareness among families about the devastating consequences of violence.
He said the security forces remain committed to restoring lasting peace in the Chenab Valley and reiterated their appeal to misguided youth to shun violence and return to the mainstream.
“The era of terrorism is coming to an end. Parents themselves are now urging their children to surrender, which shows that people have realised the futility of violence. We once again appeal to all active terrorists to lay down arms and join the mainstream. Otherwise, there are only two options left — jail or grave,” Dr Gupta said, adding that security agencies are maintaining strict vigil and will continue their operations till the district is completely cleared of terrorism.
