SRINAGAR: J&K government approved Thursday Rs 41.16 lakh for a gas agency promised to pellet survivor Insha Mushtaq eight years ago, reviving a rehabilitation pledge that had remained frozen since the fall of PDP-BJP govt in 2018.The approval marks a turning point for Insha from Sedow village of Shopian, who lost her eyesight at 14 after a pellet gun struck her on July 12, 2016, during protests following Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani’s killing.“Justice delayed but not denied,” minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs Satish Sharma posted on X after the approval.

The gas agency was announced by then CM Mehbooba Mufti after meeting Insha during her treatment.Doctors said pellets ruptured her right eye, badly damaged her left eye and fractured her nasal, frontal and maxillary bones. Surgeries at AIIMS in New Delhi repaired her facial wounds. She was later shifted to Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital in Mumbai, but her eyesight couldn’t be restored.Despite the setback, Insha rebuilt her life. She learnt Braille, mobility skills and computer applications. She is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree through Ignou.