Who was Sabzar Ahmed Sofi?

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 24-Oct-2018

Sabzar, a highly qualified youth from South Kashmir, who was killed in a gun fight along with his associate Asif Shergujri comes from lesser known village of Naina and was one of the scores of educated youth who have joined militancy post the killing of Burhan Wani on July 8, 2016. After the killing of Burhan Wani, Kashmir witnesses unprecedented violent protest. Scores of people suffered eye injuries and over 100 people were killed. In such circumstances, 31-year old Sabzar Ahmad Sofi left his home for Delhi to join classes at Jamia Milia Islamia University where he was pursuing PhD in his “favorite subject” Botany and never returned.Sabzaar from Naina, Sangam in Anantnag, had completed his MSC from Burkhatulla University in 2013-14 and M.Phil from Jivagee University Gwalior before joining Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi in 2016. Sabzar also qualified NET, JRF and started coaching for IAS. The family bid him goodbye hoping he would fly to New Delhi. For next three months his father could not establish any contact with him owing to communication blockade in the Valley. However in October 2016 the family was shocked to know that Sabzar, instead of flying to Delhi, has joined the militancy.We had never expected that he will leave us without any information. We tried to contact him but all in vain,” said his father adding that Sabzar was an upright and honest who would always help the students of the locality and encourage them to pursue higher studies.

Sabzar started his own coaching centre (Acent) in his native place for some time where he imparted education to poor students of the area. He did his MSc in Botany from Barkatullah University Bhopal before completing his M.Phil from Gwalior. Instead of completing PhD he had joined militancy and it was his own decision.A missing report filed by family still stands registered at Bijbehara Police Station. According to family, it was a police official who visited their house and informed that Sabzar has joined militancy. “We didn’t believe first, but we lost the hope when few days later, a group of army soldiers knocked at our doors and showed us a video in which Sabzar could be seen along with a group of militants brandishing a gun in his hand.” Sabzar is survived by his parents, two brothers and a sister. His brothers and sister are also well educated.One of his relatives said that he failed to understand how Sabzar picked up the gun. “He was so shy and innocent who hardly talked to anyone. He never discussed Kashmir situation with anyone. As far as I know him, Sabzar wanted to achieve something in his life. He wanted to do something for his family and society,” the relative said. Sabzar like Burhan Wani and Manan Wani had no FIR against him at any police station. An FIR was lodged against Manan Wani only after he joined militant ranks for writing an article which police termed as ‘inciting’ having a potential to disturb peace in the society. (CNS)