TCN News
Nineteen-year-old Zubair-ul-Islam Bhat had every reason to give up. A teenager from the remote village of Khumrail in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, he found himself in police custody last year, dangerously close to being booked under the harsh Public Safety Act (PSA) – a move that could have shattered his future. But fate had other plans.
Given a second chance, he did not waste a moment. He buried himself in his books, held onto hope and has now cleared National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a national-level medical entrance examination.
Zubair was granted a second chance by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, who ultimately decided not to book him under the stringent PSA. Seizing the opportunity, he focused on his studies and went on to excel in NEET, the results of which were announced on June 14.
Just nine months ago, the 19-year-old was in police custody. He had been arrested in September on suspicion of using a VPN and engaging in what authorities deemed suspicious phone activity. A PSA dossier was even prepared. His future hung by a thread – until Sajad Lone, the chairman of the People’s Conference, stepped in.
Sharing the story on social media, Lone recalled how Zubair’s family had reached out to him in desperation.
“I was convinced Zubair is special. The Kupwara SSP was understandably cautious. I personally assured them of Zubair’s good conduct. We had multiple discussions, often disagreeing, but eventually, the SSP called back and said, ‘I am convinced Zubair needs a chance.’ And he was released,” Lone wrote.
Zubair said that he was arrested after police discovered he had been using a VPN. “I was kept in custody for two days. I explained that I used VPNs for studying, gaming and saving data. They checked my phone but found nothing incriminating. Once Lone Sahib got involved, I was released,” he added.
This was his second attempt at NEET, and he scored 535 out of 720.
A proud Lone later posted Zubair’s pictures on X (formerly Twitter) and congratulated him, writing, “He is much more than a young boy who cracked NEET. I share a special bond with him. From the depths of despair a year ago, Zubair has bounced back and will soon begin a career in medicine. I don’t know what it was, but I just knew Zubair had to be given a chance. I believed he had the potential to excel academically and build a bright future.”
Lone also thanked the Kupwara SSP, saying, “His decision to release Zubair means he has added a doctor to society. I would never have spoken publicly about this, but Zubair’s journey is a story of hope, love, and compassion. Perhaps there’s a message in all this—a message I hope our decision-makers hear. My thanks also go to @OfficeOfLG J&K. Without the consent of senior officials, this would not have been possible. In Kashmir, true victory lies in love and compassion.”