LG pledges justice, assistance for martyr’s family
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, Oct 21: The Festival of Karva Chauth, a day celebrated by women fasting for their husbands’ long life, turned into a day of deep sorrow for the Abrol family from Hari Nagar, Talab Tillo in Jammu. Instead of the awaited call from her husband, Ruchi Abrol received the devastating news of his death, shortly after she completed the day-long fast.
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Ruchi, having just completed the Karva Chauth rituals, was anxiously waiting for a video call from her husband, Shashi Abrol. Unbeknownst to her, tragedy had already struck. The family learned about a terror attack on construction workers in Ganderbal through news channels, which raised concerns. However, no one officially informed them about Shashi’s death. It was through media outlets that the Abrol family discovered their son had died in the attack.
Shashi Abrol, an Architectural Engineer, was one of the seven victims killed when terrorists attacked a tunnel construction site along the Srinagar-National Highway, in the Gagangeer area of Sonamarg, Ganderbal district. According to his family, Shashi hadn’t expressed any fears during a brief phone conversation earlier in the day. “I spoke to him in the evening, while I was on my way to the temple for the fast. He sounded normal. After my visit, I tried calling him again, but he didn’t answer. Then his phone was switched off,” recounted a grief-stricken Ruchi at her home in Talab Tillo, with her mother-in-law besides her.
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Divya, Shashi’s sister, voiced her anguish, saying, “Karva Chauth has turned into a nightmare for us. Shashi was our family’s only provider. What have these terrorists gained by taking his life? How will she raise her children now?” She recalled that Shashi had last visited two months ago, when his son was enrolling in college, adding, “He always dreamed of seeing his son become a successful Engineer.”
As news of Shashi’s death spread, neighbors, relatives and well-wishers gathered at his home to offer their condolences. The family criticized the Government for failing to notify them promptly and urged that Shashi’s body be returned swiftly for the last rites. His sister, Urvashi, expressed frustration with the Government, saying, “This is the so-called normalcy we hear about. Seven lives were taken, and we lost our brother.”
Manish Abrol, Shashi’s brother, demanded justice. “Shashi never mentioned any threats to us. We lost contact with him after 6 pm, and only this morning did we receive official confirmation of his death. He left behind two children. These terrorists should be eliminated,” Manish said.
The family called on the Government to provide financial assistance and support for Ruchi and her children. Shashi’s father, Jagdish Raj Abrol, appealed for help, stating, “We ask the Government to provide a job for my daughter-in-law so she can support her family. With Shashi gone, there’s no one left to provide help for them. It is the Government’s duty to care for his widow and children.”
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited the family of Shashi Abrol. The Lt Governor offered his condolences and assured the family members that the terrorists responsible for the martyrdom of Shashi Abrol will be neutralized soon.
He also assured the family of all assistance and support from the administration. “The entire nation stands in solidarity with the family of the martyr civilian in this hour of grief. Government will take care of the welfare, job and education of the next of kin,” the LG said.
Late in the evening, the mortal remains of the Shashi Abrol reached his home. All the family members including deceased’s father, mother, wife and other kin were unable to hold their tears as they saw the body of their dear family member. The last rites of the deceased will be held tomorrow, according to his family members.
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