Mariam has a new face but scars remain

After payment of the ransom, Mariam’s father was let off on June 3, while she was found by a patrol party on July 10. The militants had raped her, chopped off her ears and nose, before leaving her to die in the forest. Sitting in her room at Command Hospital here on Tuesday, Mariam said: ‘‘What will we do after returning to the village? What’s left there? We had a hut but that too was sold to pay the militants.’’

But she was quick to add: ‘‘We cannot stay here either. What we will do here? At home, at least, we can approach relatives for help.’’

Mariam’s husband, mother and eight brothers and sisters are still living in the village. They are staying with relatives in different places fearing militant attack, she said.

Mariam was assured of her family’s safety by GOC-in-C of Northern Command, Lt Gen Hari Prasad, who visited her along with his wife at the hospital. ‘‘Don’t worry, everything will be alright. We are looking after your family,’’ he said.

A Defence spokesman here said GOC of the Delta Force has been informed and troops instructed to ensure the security of Mariam and her father when they return home.

Director-General of Police Gopal Sharma had given Rs 1 lakh for Mariam’s initial treatment. Later, the Army pitched in when she was shifted to the Command Hospital here on September 11. Pointing out that she was cheerful now, doctors said the cartilage framework placed beneath the tissue will take time to mature. The next surgery, which involves lifting up of the new ear, will be done after four/five months.