Sheikh Muhammad Younis / Hyderabad

Sheikh Abdul Karim, the veteran of the Indo-Pak war of 1971, was today pulled out of anonymity after the Indian Army took cognizance of a report in Awaz-the voice portal about his poor financial condition and pain of being forgotten by the countrymen.

With moist eyes and a heavy voice, Abdul Karim told the media persons that he felt grateful and happy at being invited to the Army’s sub-area at Secundrabad. He was not only honoured by the Sub Area Commander at a function but also taken to his former regiment unit where he was treated like a hero and a VIP.

Ex-serviceman Sheikh Abdul Karim had joined the Boys’ Army at the age of 14 in 1967. He was trained for three years and then posted as a gunner of the Indian Army at Golconda. He served the Indian Army for nine years and this stint included his role in the India-Pakistan war of 1965 and 1971.

He was posted in Ferozepur for seven years where he patrolled the border. In the 1971 Indo-Pak war, he was deployed on the Lahore border. This is the area where Pakistan had entered 10 to 15 km inside the Indian territory and where Havaldar Abdul Hameed destroyed a full fleet of Pakistani Patton tanks in the 1965 war.

He was a wireless operator in the same area at the time of 1971 war and part of the Indian forces that entered 14 to 15 km into the Pakistani territory.

Sheikh Abdul Karim told Awaaz -the Voice that he was serving as an ORA operator and was at the forefront of the fight against the enemy. Besides a Special Award, he was also awarded the Star Medal for his role in 1971 war. He always carries that medal that has his name inscribed on it with him.

Sheikh Abdul Karim showing his identity Card of the Indian Army

After the war, Sheikh Abdul Karim was among several army men who took voluntary retirements in view of surplus manpower in the Army. Even after this, he was given the assignment of the Master Physical of Training and he trained military officers. He had also won several medals during his 9 years of service, including awards for outstanding services.

The father of six, Sheikh Abdul Karim does not own a house or a piece of land; he lives with his wife in a rented accommodation in the city.

After doing several jobs to provide for his family, he liked driving a taxi for the corporate houses. However, when he turned 65, he was divested of the job in view of his age. 

He started driving an autorickshaw to make both ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic left most of his children jobless and his earnings also dwindled, adding to his woes.

Today when he mingled with officers and men in the sub-area, his fatigue of fighting a lonely battle was gone. The Army hosted a luncheon for him. Several functions were organised in the Army area where he was the chief guest.

Sheikh Abdul Karim also addressed the gathering of Technical Assistants of the Army and shared his experiences and impressions. This was the most special day of his life as he had to pose with men and officers for at least 200 pictures; everyone wanted to capture the moment of meeting a veteran as their memory.

Senior officers discussed with him his problem and assured him of help in all possible ways, including getting him a stipend. The Army officers also assured him that they would ask authorities in Delhi to provide him with a house.

Abdul Karim was overjoyed to be invited to the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Indo-Pak War 1971 in December.