Solapur (Maharashtra): A cute baby girl frequently asks a question to her grand father and mother “Mere abbu kaha hain?” (Where is my father?) She receives the answer: Allah ke paas (In the heavens). But when she asks when he will return, receives no answer. This is the dilemma and touching story of 5-year-old Zoya who lost her father, a soldier, when she was just 18 days.
May 11, 2011 was a day of tears, pride and tribute – combine, for the entire Solapur, Maharashtra as one of its natives, 27-year-old army personnel Hawaldar Mohsin Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, sacrificed his life for the motherland during a gun battle with terrorists at Kupwara, leaving behind his 18-days-old daughter Zoya and 21-year-old widow Shaziya.
His father Gulam Mohammed Sheikh, retired police Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), while talking to ummid.com said that Mohsin was posted at GR-20 Kupwara in Jammu & Kashmir.
“On 11th May midnight he was on a routine combing operation with his squad when suddenly some terrorist attacked and started firing on them from the backside”, he recalled.
“Mohsin took his position immediately and started counter firing at them bravely. After 20 minutes of gun battle one bullet of terrorist hit his underarm and enter the chest”, he added.
He further said, “Though I lost my youngest beloved son, I always felt proud being a father of a martyr son.”
“His sacrifice for the country is inspirational”, he said.
He said Mohsin expressed his desire to join the Indian army and serve the country when he was just 16. When he was in B.A first year, he appeared for army selection trial and got selected and joined the duty as armor guard.
As Mohsin was the first martyr from Solapur, people irrespective of their religion and classes including politician from all parties attended his funeral in a large number and paid their last respect to the brave heart on 11th April 2011.
It is noticeable that soon after his funeral Solapur (Central) MLA Praniti Shinde, daughter of former Union minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, adopted the martyr’s daughter and donated 10 lakh for her education.
Local BJP MP Sharad Bansode donated Rs.100,000 to the family and made frequent visits to take care of the kin.
Former State Minister Prof. Dhobde also visited twice whereas number of city based NGOs felicitated and honored the patriot’s family several times as a part of respect and recognition.
But, surprisingly and shockingly, not a single name of Muslim politician or the NGO is in the above list. It clearly depicts that all the so-called Muslim politicians, councilors and institution have nothing to do with the brave heart martyr’s family.
They even don’t even have the courtesy to visit the family or honor on the Independence Day or other special occasions by inviting them as guests.
“Only Social College NCC unit led by Gous Sheikh (where Mohsin studied) visited my home this 15th August and conducted the parade”, Mosin’s father said.
Taking serious note of the call by ummid.com’s principal of a city school Asif Iqbal admitted that his institution should have invited and honored the family members as their son’s sacrifice is incomparable.
“Mohsin’s is a unique example of patriotism before the city youths. I will surely take a lead at the first available opportunity”, he said.
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