Kashmir Mother's Heartbreaking Death With Unfulfilled Wish For Son's Return
In a tragic turn of events that highlights the human cost of ongoing conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, a mother who repeatedly appealed to her militant son to surrender has died with her final wish remaining unfulfilled. Janna Begum, a resident of Aniyar village in the Marwah belt of Kishtwar district, passed away at her home four days ago, leaving behind a story of maternal anguish that resonated across social media platforms.
Emotional Video Appeals That Captured Public Attention
Last November and December, Begum created emotional video messages that circulated widely on social media, directly addressing her son Riaz Ahmed, who serves as an A-plus category commander in the Hizbul Mujahideen militant organization. In one particularly poignant appeal, she pleaded: "Let him surrender and come back to take care of us. At least he should be here when we are alive and shoulder my coffin."
Her messages went beyond personal appeal to question the very justification of militancy from a parent's perspective. "What kind of jihad is this where parents are abandoned? We are alone. Who will take care of us?" she had asked in her videos, highlighting how elderly parents suffer when their children choose paths of violence.
The Son Who Remains At Large
Riaz Ahmed, Begum's son, joined militant ranks approximately fifteen years ago and has since become one of the longest-surviving Hizbul Mujahideen commanders operating in the region. Security forces have classified him as wanted with a substantial reward of ₹10 lakh for information leading to his capture. Despite his mother's heartfelt appeals and the changing public sentiment against militancy that authorities note, Ahmed remains at large.
A close family relative confirmed the tragic circumstances of Begum's passing, stating: "Her last wish remained unfulfilled." The relative emphasized that she died without seeing her son return home, a fact that adds profound sadness to an already difficult situation for the family.
Broader Implications For Counter-Militancy Efforts
Security officials have noted that such family appeals represent a significant shift in public perception regarding militancy in the region. A police official commented on the situation, stating: "Terrorism is not good for the country. Those who pick up guns face either death or jail. If he listens to his parents and surrenders, it will be a good step."
The official's statement reflects a growing recognition that family interventions can sometimes succeed where traditional security approaches face limitations. Begum's story, while ending in personal tragedy, underscores the complex human dimensions behind security statistics and counter-insurgency operations.
As Jammu and Kashmir continues to navigate its security challenges, stories like that of Janna Begum serve as powerful reminders of the collateral damage that extends far beyond direct combatants. Her unanswered pleas represent not just a family's personal grief but a broader societal question about the true costs of prolonged conflict.
