RISING KASHMIR Saba Firdous Srinagar, March 20: The body of a young doctor Irfan Ali, who was abducted and killed in Libya, arrived at his Shalimar home on the eve of Nauroz Thursday, turning the supposedly festive atmosphere into state of mourning in the entire neighborhood. “The celebrations of Nauroz in our area have turned into mourning,” said Ali Muhammad, Irfan’s neighbour. “He will be in paradise, he was a pious soul,” Muhammad added. Irfan Ali, a physiotherapist, was abducted last week in Libya and killed by unidentified men. Ali was part of a group of eight medicos appointed by a hospital in the Derna area of Libya. Earlier, after completing his masters in physiotherapy from Jamia Hamdard, Irfan started to work in Kashmir. It was in August last year that he had decided to shift to Libya as a physiotherapist. Irfan was abducted on 9th of March while returning from the hospital where he was head of physiotherapy department, according to his brother, Athar Ali. “Irfan was shy but dedicated and caring,” Athar said. “He had great will power.” Athar said after giving it a deep thought, Irfan decided to work in the war-torn Libya. The country suffered widespread bloodbath after the 2011 revolution which ended the long rule of Colonel Muammar Qaddafi. Irfan’s colleagues informed Athar about his disappearance. “I got a call from his colleagues who told me that they had lost contact with Irfan. I last talked to Irfan on Friday, 7th of March and he was absolutely fine that time,” said Irfan. Soon after they came to know about his disappearance, Irfan’s family members made desperate attempts so that Irfan could be traced. They sent a request to External Affairs Ministry, along with Irfan’s identification details, to probe the matter. “On Monday (March 10), we came to know that Irfan had been shot dead by unidentified gunmen,” said Athar with moist eyes. Meanwhile, as soon as the announcement about arrival of Irfan’s body was made in the local mosque, people started pouring in large numbers at his house. The wails of his relatives could be heard from far away. “My mother wasn’t informed about Irfan’s death till this morning as we thought it would be difficult to console her,” said Athar. Irfan’s father could be seen wailing in the compound of their house. “Where shall I find you my son,” he cried aloud and fainted. He was rushed inside the house in unconscious state by his neighbours who were also mourning Irfan’s death. “Libya Herald carried the news of Irfan’s murder,” said Ghulam Hassan Bhat, who lives just opposite to Irfan’s house. “I have been living here for a long time, but I have never seen him roaming around idly,” he added. Hassan said Irfan’s death is a big loss not only for his family but the entire Mohalla. Praising him as a doctor, another neighbor, Muhammad said he once consulted Irfan. “He treated me so well. He had a good sense of humour and would treat everybody politely,” he said. Muhammad said nobody was in a mood to celebrate Nauroz that happens to fall on Friday. “We have lost our son whose dead body we are yet to receive. How can we celebrate?” other people in the neighbourhood said while mourning Irfan’s death. As soon as Irfan’s body reached his home at 3:20 pm, the cries of “Ya Hussain” could be heard far and wide. The women and men at once started reciting marsiya, remembering Hussain, grandson of Prophet (SAW) who was martyred in the battle of Karbala. This was to ease sorrow that the family was going through. The moment became even more painful when while performing the last rituals, Irfan’s family saw his corpse. Bullet and torture marks were visible on his body. While his last rituals were being performed, Irfan’s uncle was addressing media. He said Kashmiris working outside should get proper security. He thanked External Affairs Ministry which extended full support in bringing Irfan’s body to Srinagar. Irfan was engaged last year. This year his family had decided to get him married. It was time for the family to bid last goodbye to their beloved son. Irfan’s coffin was showered with sweets and women started reciting “wanwun” while it was being taken to the graveyard. “We are in a state of utter shock and despair,” said Athar bidding adieu to his brother. Irfan was nephew of Commissioner/ Secretary Health Gazanfar Hussain and Secretary Vigilance Commission Muhammad Saleem.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 03:54:45 +0000
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