Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Sheikh Abdul Karim with Subedar Major P K Swami

Sheikh Abdul Karim, the star-soldier of the 1971 India-Pakistan War, is smiling again. The reason for his renewed happiness is the visit of a senior Indian Army officer to his home where he honoured him by presenting him a memento as a token of appreciation of his role in the 1971 war.

He was recently presented a track suit of the Artillery Regiment (Artillery), of which he was once a part; the visitor photographed him in the track suit before presented the same as a memento to him.

He was told that these photographs will be displayed in the regimental centers on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the 1971 war when the services of the brave soldiers like him will be recalled and commemorated.

It may be recalled that the media including Awaz-the Voice had highlighted the story of Sheikh Abdul Karim, who was facing extreme financial troubled in the wake of the Covid-induced lockdown.

On the instructions of Colonel Ajay, Commandant of Artillery Regiment, Subedar PK Swami reached the house of Sheikh Abdul Karim. He made him wear the track suit and clicked his picture before presenting the dress to him.

Picking media reports, the Army reconnected with Sheikh Abdul Karim and recalled his services. He was invited to his regiment where he was felicitated and welcomed by the personnel and the officers.

From that day, the Indian army has taken up the task of backing him up in getting all his issues, including non- payment of pension, sorted.

Sheikh Abdul Karim had served in the Army for nine years and participated in the India-Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971.

In the 1971 war, he was deployed as a wireless operator on the Lahore border. This is the area where Pakistan had entered 10 to 15 km inside the Indian territory and where Havaldar Abdul Hameed destroyed a full fleet of Pakistani Patton tanks and attained martyrdom.

He was awarded the Star Medal in addition to the special award in the 1971 war. His name is also inscribed on the medal.

However, today at the age of 71, he has become an auto-rickshaw driver to support his family. He doesn’t even have a house and lives in rented accommodation.

Abdul Karim served in the army for almost 9 years. Received several medals for outstanding services.

Speaking to Awaz-The Voice, Sheikh Abdul Karim said that Army is in touch with him regarding all his unresolved problems. The army not only encouraged them, but also helped in getting his problem resolved.

Sheikh Abdul Karim had been allotted 5 acres of land in Golapali, by the government for being as ex-serviceman. The land remained was in his name when one dayu he found, the government had reallocated it among seven locals.

After he complained he was allocated five acres of land at the other place. However, the  documents of this allotment are yet to get finalized and reach him. Sheikh Abdul Karim said that the army has taken cognizance of this problem.

Sheikh Abdul Karim also asked the Telangana government to provide him a double bedroom house as he currently lives with his wife in a small rented house.

He expressed happiness on the support provided by the Indian Army.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Sheikh Mohammed Yunus, Hyderabad / November 05th, 2021