“My son not only protected his team but also eliminated five Maoists. My son makes me proud. Though I am in pain as my son is battling for his life, I am also proud of his exemplary performance,” says Fareena Bibi, mother of CRPF personnel Sher Mohammad, who suffered five bullet injuries during a deadly ambush by Maoists in Chhattisgarh’s Sukma on Monday.
The paramilitary wing lost more than two dozen men in the attack. Sher Mohammad reportedly killed five Maoists and saved the lives of his fellow soldiers. He is now recuperating in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Back in his village of Aasifabad, in Bulandshahr, everyone is praying for his quick recovery. “He is a role model in our village, now he has become a role model for India after displaying such exemplary courage. We are with the family and praying for his recovery,” says Saleem, a village resident.
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Sher Mohammad comes from a military family. His father Noor Mohammad was with the Rajputana battalion while his uncle Abdul Salaam was also in the Army.
Military family
“My family has served the country and it will continue to do so. I want my grandson [Sher Mohammad’s son] to also be in the Army and serve the nation,” says Fareena.
The family learned about the attack through the media and was later given some more details by officials.
“Before the CRPF patrol could take cover, the first group of Maoists hiding behind villagers opened fire. The firing started from two sides. We were informed that the Maoists were dressed in all black and very well armed. My son and his team could not open fire immediately as the attackers were using villagers as human shields,” says Fareena, increasingly growing angry while recalling the details that she was told about the deadly attack.
“I want stringent action against the Maoists as they are claiming the sons of India. The government must come up with a plan to eliminate all anti-India forces,” she says.
