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International Human Rights Day today
Would-be bride brings cheer to relatives of the missing
Bismah Malik/TNS

Good News Members of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons find a rare occasion of happiness on the engagement of Sameena, an active member of the organisation

Srinagar, December 9
At the routine monthly sit-in of the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) today, a brightly clothed Sameena (18) stood out.

Parveena Ahanger, APDP chairperson who arranged the protest a day before International Human Rights Day (December 10), informed the gathering that Sameena has got engaged. She has come to distribute sweets among APDP members, she said.

“Usually, Sameena is an active member at the routine programmes of the APDP, be it fund-raising for half widows and orphans or documenting cases. She has been doing this ever since she became a part of the APDP family when her father disappeared while in custody,” Parveena said.

Despite many family hurdles back home at Handwara in Kupwara district, Sameena would travel all the way to Srinagar to register her participation at the protests.

“We are tied by the bonds of despair and hope...bonds that are stronger than that of blood. I consider this organisation my family because I have found shoulders to lean on. People here have the same stories to share. At this big moment in my life, I want them to be a part of it,” an emotional Sameena said.

She considers Parveena, often called Iron lady of Kashmir, as her role model. Sameena said that she would miss her father, whom she has not seen for a decade now. But the presence of Parveena on her wedding day could make up for that loss.

“After God, they put their trust in me. I am and will be a part of their joys and sorrows till the end of my life,” Parveena said.