An emotional and anguish-filled open letter has surfaced, written by the sister of 26-year-old Fahad Barkat, who was killed by gunfire in Rawalakot during the wave of public and political protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir this past June. This piece of writing not only reflects the personal agony and irreparable loss of a grieving sister but also highlights the bitter reality of the excessive use of force in the region and the families devastated as a result.
The sister had carefully preserved the first letter Fahad wrote to her during his early school days, seventeen years ago (in 2009). However, this reply—written after a gap of 17 years following Fahad’s martyrdom—is not merely a family memento; it has become a silent, poignant, and powerful indictment against state oppression.
Text of the letter and key excerpts:
Background of the late Fahad and the incident of June 7:
According to the text of the letter, Fahad Barkat (born January 30, 2000)—a tall, innocent young man who was the beloved of his family—fell victim to gunfire in Rawalakot on the night of June 7. His family states that he was a regular blood donor with the ‘O-Negative’ blood type; on the night of June 7, he was on his way to CMH Rawalakot to donate blood to an injured person. However, near the hospital gate, he was shot in the neck; the bullet struck his jugular vein, and he succumbed to his injuries on the spot. “Fahdi, two months and ten days after your martyrdom—on the night of August 18th—I was told that you had become a guest of Paradise… Words cannot describe the agony of that night. I kept trying to convince myself that it was all a misunderstanding, that you were alive and being held captive somewhere.”
Public Uprising, Crackdown, and the Shock of Concealed News:
The writing reveals that the family could not receive accurate information about the immediate circumstances of Fahad’s death due to the suspension of internet services, a severe crackdown, and a stifling security atmosphere in Rawalakot and its surrounding areas. Initially, the family was led to believe he was merely injured or in administrative custody; consequently, his sister spent months praying and reciting supplications for his release and recovery.
“People say your martyrdom occurred before 1:00 AM. You were entering the CMH gate when a bullet struck your neck… Why did the killer who targeted your neck fail to see the light of your innocence?”
Public Reaction and Questions for the State:
The letter also expresses deep anguish over how innocent citizens are subjected to state violence without any investigation or judicial process, only to be branded with various labels. His sister writes that eight-year-old Zimal (Fahad’s niece) is still waiting for the ‘Kashmir flag’ her uncle promised to bring her.
“Today, the whole world is protesting for your return and for justice; your photographs are displayed everywhere. You once said that Shazaib bhai had become our hero, and in that very moment of acceptance, you attained that same exalted status.” Kashgil News – Analytical Note:
This letter from Fahad Barkat’s sister is not merely a sister’s lament for her brother; rather, it poses a profound question regarding the grave human rights situation in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir, the excessive use of force against peaceful protests, and the killing of civilians. The letter stands as a testament to the fact that every bullet fired amidst conflict and state oppression extinguishes the light of a home, leaving future generations to bear the consequences.
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