Ganderbal (Jammu and Kashmir), Aug 18 - Through the nightmare of militancy when his brother was shot down by security forces, a barely-literate mason here laid the foundation of dreams when he ensured good education for his three children. Now his two sons are a step closer to joining the state civil services.

Abdul Khaliq, 52, barely had a formal education. After working as an unskilled labourer for many years, he finally became a mason.

'I make enough money to sustain my wife, two sons and a daughter,' Khaliq, a resident of Manigam village in Ganderbal district, told IANS.

'By Allah's grace I have been able to somehow educate my children. Both my sons are graduates and my daughter is studying in Class 12,' he said while using his trowel to lay the next brick for the school building he is working on.

Khaliq's happy surprise came early this month when both his sons passed the preliminary exams for the state civil services. They are now preparing for the main exams.

'I could not believe it. Both have got good percentages and those who know something about these exams tell me they have a fairly good chance to make it to the civil services.

'I have since been praying for their success. It all lies in Allah's hands, but I shall leave no stone unturned in getting them books and other things they need to prepare for the tough competition even if I have to sell my land,' he said.