Bandipora, Aug 05: In a heartrending incident that underscores the unyielding spirit of valor and devotion to duty, Waseem Sarwar Dar, a spirited soccer athlete hailing from North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, breathed his last during a encounter in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday night.
The news of Dar’s tragic demise has enveloped his native village, Bandipora, in a shroud of sorrow, as a gathering of friends, neighbors, and loved ones congregated at his native village to bid a tearful adieu.
Dar, whose unwavering commitment led him to join the army’s ranks in 2014, laid down his life while combating the operation in the Halan forest in Kulgam. The joint operation, launched by the 34 Rashtriya Rifles and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, culminated in the poignant encounter with the nefarious elements.
Meanwhile, holding onto the cherished memory of his last visit during Eid ul Adha, the family shared that he left behind a wife who is now seven months pregnant.
Zubair, Waseem’s younger brother, revealed that the couple had tied the knot in November, 2021.
Beyond his resolute military service, Dar was celebrated for his fervor for football. An indispensable member of the esteemed Iqra Football Club in Dachigam, his comrades and friends fondly reminisce about his genial disposition and authentic nature.
“Waseem not only exhibited extraordinary valour and commitment on the battlefield but also showcased his prowess on the football field. He was an inseparable part of the Iqra Football Club in Dachigam,” recollected Azhar Ali, a childhood confidant of Waseem.
The District Football Association, recognizing Dar’s contributions to the sport, lauded his fervent dedication and exemplary skill in the realm of football.
The mortal remains of the gallant Waseem will be escorted home, following the completion of all requisite legal and medical formalities.
