The death of Akeel Majeed Bhat, a young boy hailing from Gabbarpora in Pulwama, has left his family shattered. Akeel, according to his family and friends was the sole bread earner for the family of four.

Akkel, who was injured during protests on Tuesday after government forces fired on protesters who were trying to disrupt the encounter raging between militants and forces in Hakripora village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, was shifted to SKIMS for treatment.

As per locals Akeel was hit by a bullet just under his chest and the bullet injury damaged his vital organs including his liver.

Akeel, was rushed to Srinagar for treatment. However, doctors attending on him at SKIMS, Soura said that he had lost too much of blood during transit.

“We tried our best to save him,” said a doctor, wishing anonymity. “Akeel succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday morning,” he added.

The death of the eldest of siblings in the Bhat household has left everyone in a shock.

“Two years back his father passed away as he was fighting cancer for almost two years. The death of the earning member of the family left them shattered. But, Akeel took it to himself and tried his best to earn a living besides, working overtime to get his younger brother and sister educated,” said, Sammer Ahmad, Akeels cousin.

“Akeel was a very hardworking boy. He was studying as well as earning to help his family sustain the daily chores of life,” he said.

“After the death of his father he was managing his family. But his death has left them devastated,” he added. 

Akeel’s close friend Bilal Ahmad said that Akeel was a great human being.

“He often used to say that his father’s dream was to educate his children and I want to fulfill my father’s dream. Even if I can’t study myself I will take every possible step to ensure that my brother and sister get the best of education, Akeel used to say,” said Bilal.

“Akeel was taking care of his family in a nice way. He ensured that his younger brother and sister are enrolled in a school,” he said.

Akeel’s mother Masrat Bano, (40) is in a deep shock. Neighbours say that she has not been able to utter a word since Akeel’s death was announced to her on Wednesday morning.

Even his teenage brother, Adil Majeed and sister Rihanna Jan have no answers to what has befallen them.

Their only response to the people assembled in their courtyard is the continuous flow of tears rolling down their innocent eyes.

“What can I say,” says a visibly disturbed Adil. “I feel that today I have been orphaned as Akeel did not let us miss our dad in any way. He used to take care of every need that we had,” he said before falling silent. 

Guest