They died waiting for their sons missing in custody

http://newshunt.com/share/26362708 Source:Kashmir Times SANA ALTAF " SRINAGAR, Jan 8: While waiting for the return of their dear ones, mothers of six disappeared persons have died during the past few years.

Misra Begum from boatman colony died in 2010. Her son Shabir Ahmad Gassi was subjected to enforced disappearance in 2000. He was allegedly picked up by security forces.

In November 2012, 17 years of struggle of Hameeda Begum from Handwara came to an end with her death. She has been an active member of Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons(APDP). Her son, Abid Hussain is missing since October 1996.

After waiting for 22 years, Mehtaba Begum lost the battle of life in 2012. Hailing from Kupwara, her son Mohammad Ayub was allegedly picked up by Border Security Forces in October, 1990.

Imtiyaz Ahmad Wani from Rajbagh was picked up by Border Security Forces in 1996. His mother, Zoona Begum picked up the struggle of tracing him. She toiled hard till death took her away in June2012s

When Syed Anwar went missing on July 21, 2000, his mother Haseena Begum lodged an FIR. Days passed but Anwar, who worked as a painter, did not return.

Haseena went to army camps, interrogation centres and searched police stations across the Valley for her son. With no earning hand in the family, Haseena shifted to Srinagar from her native village of Dolipora, Handwara to earn a living. She lived with Anwar's young wife and daughter.

To give direction to her struggle, she joined Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP). She filed a case in the court, spending whatever money she had on the case.

Ever month, she would attend the sit-in of APDP at Pratap Park, wailing, crying and pleading for justice. She tried to make her voice heard at every platform, dreaming of seeing her son.

Days turned into months and months into years. Haseena aged but did not give up her struggle until life betrayed her and she passed away on October 5, 2013.

Like Haseena, Mughli Begum too struggled till the end of her life to search for her son, Riyaz Ahmad who was allegedly picked up by security forces in 2000. Riyaz was a government school teacher and had gone to collect his salary on the fateful day. Mughli was living with her son after she was divorced by her husband three months after her marriage. She singly brought up and educated Riyaz.

Throughout her life she strived to search for her son whom she believed would come back. Mugali died on September 1, 2009 but her son is yet to return.

These are only few mothers who died without taking the last glimpse of their beloved children. There are several others who have died silently in dark corners of Kashmir, struggling.

"There are scores of mothers and fathers of disappeared persons who have died now. There are some who have no one to pursue their case," APDP officials said.

APDP has taken the responsibility of tracing the whereabouts of those who have lost their family.

"We will struggle for them till we are alive. We are struggling for all those who are dead or alive. Nothing shall dampen our spirit," said Parveena Ahanger, president APDP.

News Updated at : Wednesday, January 08, 2014