Of a few Taare Zameen Par

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The first thing that strikes you about the village is the well-bred hens. Even before you have finished wondering at their fitness levels, the introductions pour in. Azmatabad village is " 6000 above sea level and has always maintained communal harmony", says the retired headmaster, Talib Hussain.

It's another claim to fame is the house of Waheeda Prism-the first woman to lead the armed forces parade. The house now in ruins, but still the village pride. Azmatabad has more to it. Four leopards on a prowl: a headmaster who won the Presidents medal, and a road that was never built. A hamlet of wrinkled faces and hot steaming tea-cups.

But none of this had brought us here.

Azatambad is also a village of silent loss and a flickering hope. Located in the border district of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir , this village saw the onslaught of violence in the end of 90s. The times when terrorism was gaining strength in this part of the state. The times when wedding ceremonies were subdued; when nights were tense and mornings uncertain. During those times, 14 children in and around Azmatabad were picked up masked men. The villagers say they were taken across the border for terrorist training. Carefully chosen, young, innocent and aged between of 12-15. A few strong ones did manage to escape. The rest are still living a life decided for them on that night of April, 2001.

Like Gulzar Begum's youngest son Shafiq who was barely 12, and just about to start his class 7. A child who enjoyed singing hoarse in marriages. It was the night when Begum's eldest son was getting married. Shafiq was lost in the din of celebrations, forcibly kidnapped by unknown men,

There was more that night. Twelve-year-old Shoukat, who had come from Buddhal village to work with a family in Azmatabad- the only brother of seven sisters. Fourteen-year-old Shakeel, who loved being photographed,. His two elder brothers were spared that night. His brother Talab recalls that the entire family was locked in one room, and Shakeel was abducted.

Reports say the youngsters were whisked away for training in camps across PoK. ( As per police reports, over 91 from just these two border districts). The oft noticed "Catch Them young" policy- easy to indoctrine violence and too young to fight back. Villages like Azmatabad suffered, but never supported terrorism. A ransom they paid for living on the edge.

It's been seven years now. The families talk in hushed tones about the return.

Even if they want their children come back, there is a fear of police harassment or stringent action. Over a cup of namkeen chai, the villagers raise questions and their hopes at the same time. Will this section be ever taken care of- the section who lost their childhood to masked men and pointed gun barrels- the section which was as innocent as rest of children in this age group- those who dreamt and aspired a normal life? Will the government's proposal on their return and rehabilitation ever see flesh and blood?

And dizzy with these questions, I return to my hotel room. The television is still full of Amir Khan, this time sitting on a red couch.. answering the kids from all across-children aspiring to be nano-scientists and car designers. The bright, young and the innocent of the country. My thoughts run back to Azmatabad and its kids. The Taare Zameen Par-but, guess not all get the right chance to sparkle. Maybe, there is a second chance.