Again, father’s wait for son’s release ends with death

GANDERBAL — Ghulam Mohmmad Mir, in his mid-sixties, spent most of his time looking for his son but finally lost the battle with life yesterday at 9:00 PM at his home in Barnabug Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.

Muzaffer, his 26-year-old son, was arrested three years back and he is imprisoned in Central Jail Srinagar. Currently, Muzafar is pursuing an M.A. in Islamic Studies through the University of Kashmir.

“The old father met Muzaffar six months back in Central Jail and today, left this world, waiting years to kiss his son,” one of his relatives told The Kashmir Pulse.

“Muzafar lost his grandmother two years back and grandfather one year back, but was not allowed on bail for their last rites,” he added.

“Our father forgot to take care of his own self in the absence of his son and became a heart patient,” his elder sister said. “Even he was not able to attend his brother’s marriage last year.”

Surrounded by dozens of women in the courtyard of their house, Khurshee Begum was not crying because she had turned a widow, but was wailing and calling for her imprisoned son. “Goburoo! Matam tena kormaiy! Wadun tena tulmeiy” (Oh son! I didn’t mourn your father’s death, I didn’t even cry), cried his mother.

Muzafar’s young sister, who was unconsciously crying, “Bouth tena dithoyni wuchni abun, tas abas ha osoiey chouneiy fairan bayou” (You were not allowed to see a glimpse of your father’s face. Oh! Father was missing you, brother).

“Muzafar’s relatives went from pillar to post to get him out on bail and waited hours for the last rites, but all in vain,” one of his friends said.

As he could not attend the funeral of his father, a huge rush of locals was seen at their house when the news of Muzafar’s release on bail spread at 6:00 PM.

In the tent, erected specifically for men, his elder brother Bilal Ahmad Mir and his uncle were receiving people who were visiting to offer condolences to the bereaved family.

Meanwhile, Ghulam Mohmmad was later buried at his ancestral graveyard in Barnabugh.