Famous Stone Thrower Becomes Lover of the Nation
27 kilometres south of Srinagar in the Pulwama village of Murran, there used to be a hive of anti-national activity. A young man from Murran in his 20s named Owais Yaqoob was once associated with infamous acts and was well-known for his anti-Indian actions. Owais once served as the leader of a group of radicals and stone-throwers.
Owais is a different man today. He has a strong commitment to the "Idea of India." He has competed for his country in sports on an international stage, and he is very proud of this accomplishment.
Owais was raised in a society that idolised gun culture. Owais's narrative is about realising reality after growing up with false beliefs.
Owais has chosen new role models to follow in order to reach the heights he was created for after letting go of his disgraced past. Now, his idol and inspiration is the well-known Russian mixed martial artist Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Owais's life has transformed; he is now an international athlete instead of the "most sought stone pelter" and the most politicised individual in the Pulwama district. He has put his past behind him and disowned his unwarranted rage against the government and the country.
The protests were centred in Murran village, particularly in Murran Chowk. Every time a security forces convoy passed through the Chowk, the name Owais would echo throughout Pulwama. Owais's talent has been overshadowed by his evil activities. Owais' reputation among the local populace was based on his stone-throwing rather than his martial arts prowess.
Owais had been enthusiastic about martial arts since he was a little child. Owais was born with an advantage when it came to his martial arts prowess. But nobody had actually acknowledged his extraordinary talent for martial arts. He was drawn into stone-throwing and lawlessness by the surroundings and conditions. Owais now understands that if he hadn't received advice from the right people at the appropriate moment, his life's purpose would have been lost.
How The Transformation Happened
Owais was arrested by the police for being an Over Ground Worker (OGW) and a recurring stone pelter a week before his 2021 wedding date. Owais said, "A night spent in a jail revolutionised my perspective of life," while relating his experience. Following his imprisonment, Owais thought his career was over and all of his hopes had been dashed.
He would berate himself in prison for having pushed his life to the limit. He was abandoned by those who had been admiring him for his brave actions. He discovered that he was the only inmate there.
Nobody was there to support him.
Owais developed depression and pessimism. He believed that this was his last act on earth. A few days later, he was summoned to SSP Pulwama Ghulam Jeelani's office for counselling. "I received two hours' worth of advice from the SSP. He identified my martial arts prowess and strengths. He presented me with a chance. I thank the All-Powerful for this fantastic opportunity. Owais, who is visibly moved, says, "The Almighty granted me the wisdom to accept this opportunity.
"In SSP Gulam Jeelani, I discovered an angel. In this existence, I have experienced two births. My mother gave birth to me, therefore it was the first time. In the second life, SSP Jeelani gave me advice and direction. In him, I discovered an angel who changed the course of my life. He gave me advice and helped me see my potential. He helped me see my potential.
The possibility changed Owais. It altered his course of events and guided him toward fame and respect in life. Owais hasn't looked back since that time. He has been working hard to improve his martial arts abilities.
By representing UT Jammu and Kashmir and competing at the national level in martial arts, he proved his talent.
Young people like me may get lost so easily, adds Owais. "I enjoyed throwing stones. I liked to break the law. SSP Jeelani's direction and his kind demeanour toward me helped me emerge from the shadows. I'm now pursuing my ambition. He owes me my life. I would strive throughout my entire life to show the Almighty and SSP Jeelani how much I appreciate them for giving me a second chance at life. Owais applauds the work put in by SSP. He says earnestly, "He came as a messiah in my life.
Owais has now undergone the most amazing change. He has grown to love reading. He reads books on a wide range of subjects and genres and studies Islamic law.
DC Pulwama Changes a Village's Anti-State Attitude
Officers who want to affect change on the ground must be considerate and approachable. I am pleased to report that senior Pulwama district authorities have used this strategy. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary is one among them.
Let me give you a current illustration. Students from Karimabad hamlet in Pulwama district, one of the most dangerous places, were brought by DC Choudhary. To encourage people to join the civil service and assume more accountability for their area, he created "DC For A Day."
The deed was heartfelt. In Kashmir, it has received a lot of social media shares.
Internet users praised DC Pulwama for his efforts to improve society.
Due to the intense levels of resentment and opposition in the community, Karimabad has a reputation as a dangerous place that government officials fear to come. The administration was unable to implement any development measures in Karimabad. The army or the police were believed to be unable to enter the village.
We won't be able to conduct any operations in the future in the Karimabad village of the Pulwama area, according to a senior Army official who earlier made such statement.
There is a well-known proverb. The tough get going when the going gets difficult.SSP Gulam Jeelani and Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary did not submit to the circumstances at Karimabad. They wouldn't give in to the separatist or violent groups there.
By hosting a District Development Council (DDC) meeting in Karimabad, the DC and the SSP provided leadership. After roughly 20 years, a similar event that boosted local democracy was staged in Karimabad. This daring move paved the way for the youth to become involved in local democracy efforts and further the village's development. In an effort to reintegrate the misguided young of all the villages in the district, DC Choudhary and SSP Jeelani have regularly advised them. Their valiant efforts have yielded results.
DC Choudhary and SSP Jeelani have consistently counselled the misguided youth of all villages in Pulwama district to bring them into the mainstream. Their valiant efforts were rewarded.
Owais Is On A Mission To Discover The Hidden Talents Of Local Youth
Working Hard to Make Society Drug-Free
Owais adds new feathers to his cap with each passing day. In various martial arts tournaments, Owais has won 17 medals at the state level and 11 medals at the national level.
In 2021, the All India Mixed Martial Art Federation named him the country's second-best mixed martial artist (AIMMAF). He has won awards such as "Best Fighter Boy" in 28 states and was named "Champion of Champions" in 2018.
Owais won a bronze medal at the International Martial Art Championship, which took place in the Philippines from July 18 to 24, demonstrating his skill once more. After being given the opportunity, he is now repaying society by contributing to efforts to eradicate all negative trends in his village.He is on a mission to discover local youth's hidden talents. At his academy, The Lions Den, where he trains 55 aspiring athletes, he is working hard to make society drug-free.
THE STORY'S BOX
Kindness and a Gentle Attitude Towards Kashmiri Youth
If Owais had not received guidance and support at the appropriate time, he would have continued to be a danger to himself and society. Owais' story exemplifies the importance of kindness and a gentle demeanour when dealing with Kashmir's youth.
It's difficult to believe that once a stone thrower filled with hatred for the nation and our national flag, he now proudly displays his country's flag on international platforms. This is the truth. The story demonstrates the need for a rapid shift in how Kashmiri youth are treated.
Consider what would have happened if the DC and SSP Pulwama had not shown such concern for the youth in their jurisdiction. The radicalization of their community's youth would have hardened. The youth's anti-state feelings would have grown stronger. It would have resulted in more militants, hybrid militants, and OGWs.
Then these young people would have been on the wrong side of the law. They would have clashed with the forces, killing and being killed.
However, the DC and SSP Pulwama used compassionate and innovative approaches to reach out to the youth. They became father figures for the befuddled youth searching for meaning.
Imagine what we could accomplish if all officers in positions of authority and responsibility shared the same wisdom and compassionate, caring, and fatherly attitude. With such sincere efforts, we can achieve new levels of peace and stability.
Consider what we could accomplish if all officers in positions of authority and responsibility shared the same wisdom and compassionate, caring, and fatherly attitude. We can achieve new levels of peace and stability if we work hard enough.
If policymakers are convinced that state policy should be drafted and implemented in such a way that it positively engages the youth, numerous benefits will follow. These children will shape society's attitudes and opinions in the future.
Constructive interaction with them must be encouraged. Hundreds of lives will be saved as a result of this strategy. It will spare hundreds of families the trauma of losing a loved one. It will transform youth into forerunners of societal peace and progress.This is the path to be taken.
(The author is a Kashmir-based sociopolitical activist.)