Rahul congratulates 99% scorer in militancy-torn Shopian village

Rifat Mohidin

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 10

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has sent a congratulatory letter to Shopian girl Ifra Sheraz, who secured 99 per cent marks in the Class X exams held recently.

Students in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts scored the highest pass percentage of 84 and 83 in Class X. Ifra was among the students who secured 99 per cent marks in the exams, the results of which were declared by the J&K Board of School Education last week.

In the letter, Rahul Gandhi wrote: “Dear Ifra Sheraz ji, I congratulate you on your brilliant performance in the Class X board examination. This achievement stands testament to your hard work and determination. Despite the challenges due to frequent closure of schools, your determination trumped all the roadblocks. I have tremendous hope in the youth of Jammu and Kashmir who have accomplished remarkable feats even in the face of adversity. I hope your accomplishment inspires others to strive for their goals. I would also like to congratulate your family for their support and faith in you. I wish you success in your future endeavours and hope you continue to reach greater heights.”

Ifra, 16, said due to frequent gunfights in her village, she had to take medicine as she was suffering from depression.

“Every day, encounters take place here and students get depressed. Only tragedies occur here. During my exams, an encounter was going on in another village. I was not able to study. I used to take medicine which made me fall asleep early. My teachers had a lot of expectations from me,” she said.

Her father Sheraz Ahmad said she was not able to attend regular classes and tuitions due to the turmoil.

“It is only due to her hard work that she has been able to achieve this milestone,” he added.