Father battles injuries, unaware twin children killed in shelling

Seven days after Poonch town was battered by heavy shelling by Pakistan, Rameez Khan, 47, lies in a semi-conscious state at Government Medical College, Jammu, unaware of the fact that both his twin children have become a casualty of war.

Rameez’s wife Ursha Khan stands close to him as the doctors come to examine his injuries.

As soon as the twin Zoya and Ayan, both 12-year-old, came out of their home on May 7 morning, a shell fell near them in Poonch, killing them and injuring Rameez, who was taken to GMC, Rajouri, before being referred to the medical college in Jammu, where he is undergoing treatment.

Sarfaraz Mir, a close relative of Rameez, said the latter has not been told about the death of his two children. “He is not in a condition to be told about this tragedy. We are trying hard to hide this, but he (Rameez) asks us about the children every time he gathers strength,” said Mir, adding that Rameez was already suffering from heart problem.

Mir claimed that the splinters have struck Rameez near his liver, due to which a surgery has to be performed in New Delhi. “Doctors have told us that a robotic surgery that has to be performed but is not available in Jammu,” said Mir.

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The family has also told Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about their ordeal and sought the administration’s assistance to take Rameez to New Delhi.

Just two months ago, the family had shifted to Poonch town from their native village Kalai. The couple in their 40s had moved in the hope to provide better education to their children, but fate had something else in store for them.

Dr Varinder Trisal, Medical Superintendant of GMC, Jammu, said Rameez was shifted to the ward from Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after he showed recovery on Wednesday.

“He is suffering from the shock due to what happened in Poonch. He, however, has not been told about his children as it may severely impact his health,” said Dr Trisal.