Malegaon blasts: struggling to cope

Malegaon: The blasts in Malegaon on Friday have shattered many families and one such family lost its sole bread-winner.

In a small room in Malegaon, a young boy stays with his five brothers, four sisters, mother, grandmother and an aunt. But the only earning member of the family, his father Sheikh Iqbal, died in Friday's blast.

“He was running the house. Nobody else is earning and we need government’s help. The government should help us,” said Iqbal's mother, Mariyam Bee.

One of Iqbal's sons was also injured in the blast. But Iqbal’s wife has other worries including the marriage of her daughters.

“My children have no support now. Daughters are to be married off. We need help,” said Iqbal’s wife, Harifa Sheikh Iqbal.

They are hopeful that somebody will come and help them but can financial help alone console them? The most it could do is ensure a future for the 10 children.

(With inputs from Nandini Sircar)