Insurgency brings hardship for an Assamese family

The insurgent groups marred violence has often proved to have done more damage than any good. Be it loss of property or life of someone loved, it is invariably the common man who is found bearing the cost of somebodys madness.

By Peter Alex Todd

Guwahati, Sep.2 : The insurgent groups marred violence has often proved to have done more damage than any good. Be it loss of property or life of someone loved, it is invariably the common man who is found bearing the cost of somebody's madness.

Saiful Begum's family is just another instance from the real life affected by various underground insurgent groups here.

It was not very long ago that Saiful Begum's family was leading a happy life. The eldest son Rahman, 12, used to attend school just a year-and-a-half ago.

Today, that child is compelled to work as a daily wager and arrange livelihood for his family comprising of a widow mother, sister and younger brothers. he family lost its breadwinner after a bomb blast triggered by ULFA killed him on the spot in a marketplace in Guwahati.

The death ruined the family.

Rahman's sister has also left school. Today, she has no choice but to help the family in daily chores. The loss of the head of the family has dashed off all dreams.

Saiful Begum, the victim, said: "We are facing hardships. I have already pulled my elder son and daughter Zami from school. I have also stopped Rashmi from going to school. Now only two sons are going to school. One is in standard eight and the other, sixth.

She said: "After husband's death I am unable to fulfil the needs of my children. I can't buy them new things. They turn sad seeing other children wearing new clothes. How can I give them a new shirt or anew frock? I can't afford it. Those who are doing this violence must look at us and stop violence. They should let people live in peace."

Amina Khatoon, mother of the victim, said: "We are waiting and years have passed thinking about him that he may return one day."

There are over two hundred victim families in the State.

ANI