Pulwama: Despite receiving specialized treatment from the last 45 days, an injured Pulwama youth who was hit by a bullet on October 14 has been rendered paralyzed below the waist.

Mohammad Ashraf Mir (26), a resident of Senzen-Shahoora village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district was injured during an encounter in Litter area. He had received bullet injuries in his chest during clashes when two LeT militants and a civilian were killed in the area.

Ashraf who spent at least 45 days at SKIMS was Friday discharged from the hospital. His family while talking to ‘Kashmir Vision’ claimed that their beloved one has been rendered paralyzed below the waist.

The injured youth said that he was not a part of any protest but he went there following the news about the killing of two militants in the area. “I went to the spot to participate in the funeral procession of slain militants,” he said. “I wasn’t even aware about the stone pelting but unfortunately forces present there fired a bullet on me and other persons,” he said, adding that the situation he is facing today is intolerable. “I wish I could have died as I am not even able to move on my own,” he said.

He said that he has suffered almost 90 per cent damaged in spinal cord due to the bullet.

Amir Hamid, nephew of Ashraf said that they spent over one lakh rupees on three surgeries and medicines of Ashraf but nothing good has happened so for.

“During three surgeries, doctors removed a portion of his liver which was damaged by the bullet but he is yet to recover,” he said.

Zaiba Begum, (70) mother of Ashraf said he was the sole bread earner for his family.

“He was earning livelihood for 11 members by running a motor cycle mechanical shop at Sangam Anantnag but left that job two years back and was now working in a brick kiln to earn his livelihood,” she said.

She said that here elder son had met with an accident some years ago and is not able to earn his livelihood but Ashraf was since then taking care of 11 families members.

“I was planning to get him married but the bullet has shattered our dreams now,” she said.

Guest