The Kashmir Pulse

BANDIPORA — Sahiba Shakeel, a 15-year-old girl from Ajas village here, has scripted a heartwarming story of resilience and academic excellence. Despite being 90% visually impaired, Sahiba has secured an impressive 409 out of 500 marks in her Class 10th exams.

Sahiba's path to success was marked by challenges. Born into a humble background, her father, Shakeel Ahmad Rather, is an auto-rickshaw driver, and her mother is a homemaker. Yet, financial constraints and visual impairment couldn't dampen Sahiba's spirit.

"Sahiba didn't have access to coaching institutes or conventional study materials. But with unwavering support from an NGO run by Naziya Hurra, she excelled," said Shakeel Ahmad. "Since she was six, the NGO provided her with specialized help, including recorded lectures on microchips," he added.

"Despite her limitations, Sahiba displayed remarkable determination," he said. "During exams, a dedicated helper transcribed her dictation. This teamwork, combined with Sahiba's grit, led to her achievement," he further elaborated.

"Being visually impaired, you need help for everything. I'm happy with the results and my performance. I'm grateful for the support from my family, teachers, Naziya Ji, and especially my exam helper Tafia Tariq," Sahiba said, according to the Srinagar-based news agency KDC.

"I want to work hard and empower specially-abled people. I understand their struggles," she expressed.

SRINAGAR — Unknown gunmen suspected to be militants shot dead a Non- local labourer in Sadunara area of Ajas in North Kashmir's Bandipora district on Friday.

A top police officer while confirming to GNS said that militants shot at a Non- local labourer from a very close range approximately at 12:30 am in wee hours.

He was shifted to nearby hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, the officer said.

He has been identified as Mohammad Amrez Son of Mohammad Jaleel Resident of Bihar, the officer added.

BANDIPORA — A driver and conductor miraculously escaped unhurt after a truck, on its way from Srinagar to Bandipora, rolled down into Baedkul Nallah in Ajas village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday.

Reports reaching here said that a cement-laden truck skidded off the diversion constructed on either side of the newly constructed Ajas bridge, and fell into Baedkul Nallah after the driver lost control over the vehicle.

Locals, present on the spot, immediately swung into action and rescued the duo, who miraculously did not suffer any injury. Both the driver and conductor are safe.

A police official said the cognizance of the accident has been taken and investigation about the incident has been set into motion.