Girls from militancy-ridden village top board exams

While the area where they reside is usually in news for rising militant activities most of the times, Tuesday was different for the residents of remote Dadsar area of Tral in South Kashmir.

Two of the girls from the militancy infested village made their village proud when they secured first and second positions in the 10th class results declared on Tuesday.

 Anika Shabir, student of a local school in Dadsar, secured the first position with 494 marks while her neighbour, Shaheera Shamim shared the second position with other three students with 491 marks.

“It (first position) was not that surprising for me because I had really worked hard for it. From the last few days the anxiety was more and during the prayers I would request Allah to fulfill my dream,” Anika told Deccan Herald over phone.

The village girl, who this year dislodged her counterparts from prestigious city schools, gives credit of her success to her parents and teachers.

“I am fortunate enough to get my education in a school where all the teachers are dedicated. My teachers and parents have been a constant encouragement and always believed in my ability,” she said.

Asked whether she faced any problems due to militancy in her village, Anika said, “At times there has been distractions like strikes, shootouts and other things. But I was determined to make a mark and I am thankful to God that till now I succeeded.”

Anika, whose father works as a dailywager in a state government dreams to become a professor.

“I would opt medicine and would later like to enter the academic field.”
Shaheera Shamim, the second position holder, whose father is a lecturer, says her hard work has finally paid.

“My father is my role model. I worked hard and had clarity of all the subjects,” she said.
Though the village is mostly in news for militancy related activities, it has produced people like Muhammad Amin Naik, who serves as major General in Indian Army.

A local news agency while quoting General Naik’s telephonic interview, said, “I am proud of these little girls and I have been repeatedly telling my friends that I am the native of Dadasara Tral.”

A total of 50,535 students – 26,900 boys and 23,600 girls – had appeared in the examination which was held in March because of the floods that hit the Valley in September last year. The first three positions have been shared by seven girls.

The overall pass percentage was 71.85 per cent which is almost one per cent lesser than the last year.