ONE MORE TERRORIST
“Nobody remembers him. Nobody knows about him. It seems like he never existed”. Firdous ended narrating the story of his childhood friend Haider. Imtiyaz, his son who had just failed his high school examination, listened keenly. Firdous wanted Imtiyaz to know that it is not the end of the world. And that there are lot many careers available for people who find it difficult to shine in academics. But most importantly, Firdous wanted his son to know the difference between a right and a wrong path.
Haider and Firdous were close friends. In their late teens, both had just completed high school with bare minimum marks. Academics was not their forte, athletics was. Being good sportsmen and bad readers, finding a government desk job was not their dream, unlike many. But the financial status of their respective families was nothing more than what was required for their sustenance. Firdous’s dream was to be at the top of the world, literally. He pictured himself at the summit of Mt. Everest. He had climbed many peaks in the Himalayas at a young age and needed recognition and sponsorship to scale higher peaks. On a sunny day, Haider and Firdous were trekking in the nearby mountains when Haider said, ”Firdous, you like climbing mountains don’t you?” “yes.” Firdous answered. “Sajad uncle was asking about you. He said he can offer us a career with huge money.” “Which career are you talking about Haider?” Firdous questioned. “The greatest career in the name of Allah. We will go across mountains and borders, get our ‘tools’ and come back.” Haider tried to explain what Sajad uncle’s intent was. “What are you trying to say Haider?” Firdous demanded explanation. “Firdous, don’t behave like you aren’t aware. All these years, all these atrocities. It is time to fight for our freedom and claim our ‘azaadi’. Sajad uncle told me that we are the chosen ones. The calling has come for both of us. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity”. “Stop right there, Haider. Are you even in your senses. What on earth are you talking about. Sajad uncle has manipulated you. You are not thinking clearly. The path you are talking about leads to darkness and death.” “Not death Firdous trt Shahadat. The very sacred act that will send us to Jannat-ul Firdous. The people will remember us.” Haider tried to convince Firdous. “Tell me one name that you remember out of so many who died. Get this illusion out of your head Haider. Nobody remembers brainswashed people who kill for the wrong cause. Not even your name will appear in the local newspaper. ‘one terrorist’ is what you will be called.” Firdous said. “Sajad uncle told me you might react this way. You are too ‘weak’ to accept this challenging task. You are not ‘brave enough’. And Jannat is not for ‘faint-hearted’ people like you”. Haider exclaimed. “I’d rather find a place in the memories of my family and friends, than take a wrong path in the name of Allah”. Saying this Firdous stormed away from Haider.
Two years went by. Firdous found his much needed recognition and sponsorship. He climbed many 8000 meter peaks and was preparing for the Everest expedition. People of Kashmir gave him support and appreciation for his efforts. He was making his family proud on the international platform. One evening as Firdous was walking in the street, he was surprised by the sudden sound of firing. As the bullets were flying in the streets finding their targets, Firdous immediately took cover in the nearby shop. The army had yet again found a terrorist and their repeated appeals for surrender were answered by Valley of bullets by the terrorist. In a matter of minutes the operation was over and the terrorist’s body recovered. As the villagers gathered to see who the terrorist was, Firdous managed to get a glimpse of the body. It was his friend Haider. Two things followed in Firdous’s body. A shock ran through his spine and try as hard as he could, he couldn’t stop tears from his eyes. He regretted not being able to prevent Haider from falling prey to the game of violence. The morning newspaper read. “One more terrorist killed.” Its not just Haider. Many innocent youths are being brainwashed and recruited into the dirty game of violence being played by the likes of ‘Sajad uncles’. They target the gullible youth in their teens hailing from modest families by giving them the lure of money. They convince them that they are the ‘chosen ones’ to do the ‘supreme sacrifice’. An illusion of ‘heroism’ and ‘cause of freedom’ is planted in their brains so strongly that it becomes difficult for ignorant mind to see the ‘reality’. But it isn’t something that cannot be prevented. The involvement of parents in the lives of their children during this ‘vulnerable age’ is crucial. Family and friends have the greatest influence over a teenager’s mind. By reducing the communication gap between parents and children the practice of ‘brainwashing’ can be curbed. It is us, the Kashmiri people who need to come together and guide our children towards a bright and prosperous future.
