Zubair-ul-Islam Bhat, a young man from the remote village of Khumriyal in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, has cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), one of India’s most competitive exams for medical aspirants. What makes his success remarkable is not just the result, but the path he walked to get there—one that almost led to his detention under the draconian Public Safety Act (PSA).
Just a year ago, Bhat was under close surveillance by Jammu and Kashmir Police and identified for preventive detention under the PSA, which permits incarceration without trial for up to two years. The charges were related to alleged separatist activities. A police dossier had been prepared.
But intervention from J&K Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone changed the course of his life.
“A year back Zubair was all set to be booked under the PSA. The dossier was ready. His family approached me. I don’t know what happened, but I was convinced Zubair had to be saved,” Lone shared in a heartfelt post on Wednesday. “He is a couple of years older than my children. I believed that Zubair is special and deserves a chance.”
Lone said the police were initially hesitant. “I approached the SSP Kupwara, who was very apprehensive. I volunteered to personally guarantee his conduct. We talked many times, often ending in disagreement. But finally, the SSP called to say he too was convinced that Zubair needed a chance.”
Today, Zubair’s name figures among the successful NEET candidates, and his journey from a youth marked for incarceration to a future medical professional has become a symbol of redemption and hope.
“This is a story of the triumph of love and compassion,” Lone said. “Zubair has bounced back and will soon embark on a career in medicine. Maybe there is a message in this story. I hope our decision-makers understand it.”
Lone also thanked Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, crediting the administration’s flexibility for making this possible. “Without the consent of top officials, this would not have been possible. Victory in Kashmir lies in love and compassion,” Lone added.
