Srinagar: Insha Mushtaq, 16, whose pellet-riddled face forced a debate around the use of shotgun in Kashmir valley in 2016, qualified Class 10 examinations on Tuesday, despite facing a complete loss of sight in both eyes.
“Our happiness is inexplicable. It’s beyond our expectations. She will pursue her studies given her marks,” said the victim’s father, Mushtaq Ahmad Lone.
Insha’s face was hit by a volley of pellets in 2016 during the clashes between protesters and security forces in Sedow village in Shopian in south Kashmir.
She was peeping from her window when a security personnel opened fire from his shotgun, firing hundreds of pellets in her direction. The image of her face became a moving picture and sparked debate around the misuse of the pellets.
She appeared for Class 10 examinations last year with the help of a translator.
Former Chief Minister and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah congratulated her: “A special shout out to young Insha who was blinded by pellets during the 2016 protests and has cleared her 10th exams today. May Allah keep rewarding your hard work and efforts.”
Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “Congratulations to brave Insha. Despite going through the trauma of losing her eyesight due to pellets, she has managed an amazing feat. Her determination and resilience is an example for everyone. May Allah bless her always!”
