A 'battle' of a different kind for Jammu and Kashmir braveheart

Rukhsana Kousar, who shot to fame after killing a Lashker-e-Toiba terrorist, is now facing another "battle" -- convincing her parents to accept her marriage to her personal security officer.

The 21-year-old from Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir said her parents Noor Hussain and Rashida Begum are not allowing him to stay with her husband Kabir Hussain, as they are opposed to the marriage. She said she had married the 36-year-old Special Operations Group Havaldar in a court on May 26.

"I have been able to fight militants and kill one of top commanders. But today I am fighting another battle with my parents over my marriage with Kabir. My Family is opposed to my marriage," Rukhsana told PTI.

Rukhsana was awarded the country's second highest peace-time gallantry award, Kirti Chakra, after she and her brother Aijaz killed Pakistani terrorist Abu Osama when a group of militants barged into their house in Shadara Sharief in Rajouri on September 27 last year.

A senior police officer said police will not meddle into the issue as it is a family affair. 

"Parents have a right to object, as the age difference between her and her husband is nearly 15 years and he is already married and has two children".

"We are concerned about whether she does her duty properly and she is regularly coming to office," he said.

Rukhsana had been recruited as a constable along with Aijaz for her act of bravery and is posted in Rajouri. 

"Ever since our marriage in a court here on May 26, I have not met Rukhsana. I am keeping track of her through mobile phone," said Kabir, who led a group of five PSOs deployed for security of Rukhsana.