Despite their fathers falling to bullets of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, several children, studying in an army-run school, say that they want to join the security force and fight militancy.
Amarjeet Singh, 9, is among 30 others studying in Ashiyana, a boarding school about 225 km from Jammu.
"I want to become a Special Police Officer and fight the terrorists," he says.
Amarjeet's father was killed by terrorists three years ago. His mother married a second time.
"I had no money to pay school fees or buy books. But since I have been admitted to this school, I have been getting everything free," the boy added.
Echoing similar views, 12-year-old Atal, whose father too died at the hands of terrorists in 2001, wants to join army.
"I want to join the army so that I can kill the terrorists who shot my father," says Atal innocently.
Ashiyana, which started functioning from January 23, 2005, provides free boarding, lodging and education to these children up to standard 12.
Sanjiv Parihar, President Ashiyana Management Committee, told visiting journalists that "all the facilities are arranged by Ashiyana, with the help of army, local people and the government".
Physically challenged 22-year-old Ejaz Hussain, who is also one of the victims of terrorism, has been getting computer training after completing 12th standard from this school.
For many such innocent victims of terror, Ashiyana has proved to be a shelter to nourish their ambition to fight the social evil.
"Everyone talks about the human rights of the terrorists but who will come forward to protect the rights of these children?" asked Additional Deputy Commissioner (Kishtwar) Riyaz Zargar, who is also the adviser to the Ashiyana Management Committee.
