Srinagar: The two years hardship faced by him has made him realize that the so called rehabilitation policy has pushed him from frying pan to fire. Tariq Ahmad, the father of three children who chose to shun the path of violence in 2012 and decided to return his home in Srinagar is yet to find school admissions for his children and a dignified livelihood for himself.
Tariq who hails from Chattabal area of Srinagar was a Municipal inspector in Pakistan Administered Kashmir, after his return to his native place he now owns an auto rickshaw that earns livelihood for his family. Talking to KNS, he said that for his elder son, Aamir a 9th class student, he sought admission in a local school. However, he was told by the school authorities that the admission shall be followed by the registration from the Board of School Education. “From the last three months, I am making rounds of that department but nothing concrete in my case was done by the officials. Finally they (board officials) asked me bribe, I refused and said I have no money in my possession,” said Tariq.
He told KNS further finally the officials are denying him the registration stating that the same is not in rules. “I told them that chief minister himself has assured the admission for our children. They in return said that CM is himself guest of few months. You are a militant. Make your son a militant also.”
Meanwhile another parent namely Mukhtar Ahmad from Baramulla stated that he returned to valley in 2013 but the officials are denying him the registration for his children to join any school here.
Pertinently, CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami in a letter to the chief minister had earlier expressed deep disappointment over the issue. “I want to bring in your notice that a PAK woman Saira Bano who had recently accompanied her husband to a Bandipora village under the return and rehabilitation policy on April 14 lost her battle for life. Five days before the death of this young woman, she had set herself ablaze and was under treatment at a hospital in Srinagar. The deceased is survived by her husband and the three small children.” In his reply to Tarigami’s letter, Chief Minister had assured full support to the Pak returnees and maintained that the government is committed to provide better life to those who shun the path of violence and return to valley to start a dignified life.