Insha Mushtaq, a resident of Seadow village in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, has emerged as a symbol of resilience a decade after losing her vision in a pellet gun incident during the 2016 unrest in the Valley.
In 2016, while she was a Class 8 student, Insha sustained severe injuries to both eyes after being hit by pellet shots during widespread protests that followed the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in south Kashmir. The incident became one of the most widely recognised cases among thousands of civilians injured during the unrest.
Despite the challenges posed by her injuries, Insha continued her education and worked towards rebuilding her life. She has now secured an LPG distributorship, providing her with a sustainable source of livelihood and marking a significant milestone in her journey.
Her story has regained public attention following recent discussions on the use of pellet guns for crowd control, bringing renewed focus to the long-term impact of such measures on civilians. Insha’s determination and perseverance continue to inspire many, highlighting the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity.
