Added on August 11, 2020 KV Network

The fear of getting killed: ‘I contested for what’

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The killing of political workers has created a fear and stress among many

Abid Salaam

I left my passion and profession just to accept the fear of getting killed.

I contested for what?

I left my family the movements that I was enjoying and was used to.

I contested for what?

I left the early morning walks, the fresh air and breeze.

I contested for what?

The get together of the evening with besties now, the besties also fear to talk.

I contested for what?

I miss my bike rides, I left the joy.

I contested for what?

I am missing my assignments. I used to pack my camera bag and equipments and the taste of getting tired that I miss the most.

I contested for what?

I miss the dates with my beloved, now it’s been a long time I hardly get a time to speak.

I contested for what?

I contested just to see the people talking and looking to me like I am the creature from another world.

I contested for what?

Every single day my mom and other family members call several times just to confirm whether the man is alive or not.

I contested for what?

Any loud sounds, including tyre bursts makes my friends and family shiver with fear.

I contested for what?

I fear the thunder sounds during rainy nights and days. It seems like unknown gunmen are roaming in the sky also.

I contested for what?

My elder brother closes the gate at 6 pm although he knows I used to come after 9pm in the evening and my late home coming was a routine.

I contested for what?

I look at everybody who is talking on phone, looking at me, wearing PHREAN, even the market has became most scary place for me.

I contested for what?

Just to hear from my friends “stay away from public places and now” this has become the most terrible thing for me when everybody says ‘WEIN INA TAAS DENAI, stay away, you might get killed.

I contested for what?

Yes I am Gaddar because I didn’t want anybody to win from my ward who is incapable of writing a single word. I fought elections and wanted that my community should not suffer.

I contested for what?

I am sorry Ammi, Brother and sister, every single sound and second kills you that how long I will survive.

I contested for what?

Yes I was independent in my world now I am fear my own people and I have caged myself IN fear.

I contested for what?

Just to witness the false promises that the government of world’s largest democratic country did.

I contested for what?

I recite Quranic verses while walking having a thought that this may be the last movement I am living.

I contested for what?

Dear unknown gunman, kindly kill me….. because every single second of the day is more dangerous than living with the fear of getting killed.

I contested for what???

(The writer is an Independent Counselor in Municipal Committee Barmulla. A former Journalist, Abid Salaam plunged into politics as his fater was associated with various mainstream political parties. Abid contested the ULB elections from the same ward from where his father had lost elections. However, Abid won the elections and was even working as a Vice President of the BMC. However, he quit the post after some months but continued to function as an independent councilor)