‘Is She a Terrorist?’ Asks Mother of J&K’s Youngest Pellet Victim

Twenty-month-old Hiba was hit by a pellet allegedly fired by security forces in Kashmir’s Shopian, in November.

We met Hiba and her family after her surgeries to check her progress. Will she be able to see from her right eye? 

(Photo: The Quint/Kamran Akhter)

Camera: Vikar Syed
Video Editor: Rahul Sanpui
Producer: Vatsala Singh

On 25 November, a pellet allegedly fired by security forces hit 20-month-old Hiba is her right eye in Kashmir’s Shopian district. A photo that shows Hiba’s injury has reignited debate about the use of pellet guns, ‘non-lethal’ weapons that were once introduced to quell protests.

According to Amnesty International, 14 people have been killed since 2010 due to pellet gun injuries. Thousands have suffered from complete or partial blindness, and Hiba is the youngest victim.

“What was her fault? Is she a stone-pelter? Is she a terrorist? Why did forces target her?” asked Marsala Jan, Hiba’s mother.

Hiba was playing inside her house in Kaprin village when clashes broke out between protesters and security forces after six militants were killed in an encounter on 25 November, Marsala said.

“The encounter site is quite far from our house, but clashes broke out in our neighbourhood. At 7 in the morning, the entire house was filled with smoke. It was as if we had burned chilies in our kitchen. Children couldn’t bear the pain. They were crying, choking up on smoke and were nauseated. I took them to the corridor as they were breathless. I was hit by a pellet. My son was hit by a pellet. My daughter was struck by one in her eye.” 

Marsala Jan, Hiba’s mother

Hiba was taken to the SMHS Hospital in Srinagar. Doctors told the family that the pellet injury had perforated her cornea. Even after two surgeries, doctors aren’t sure if Hiba will be able to see again from her right eye.

Still, Hiba’s parents are hopeful and are taking all precautions. They keep Hiba away from dust and regularly change her bandage.

“Changing her bandages tears my soul apart. She tugs at my hair, cries and doesn’t listen. She is a small child. You can explain it to an adult but not to a child.”

Marsala Jan, Hiba’s mother