A Grim Reminder for Robust Action
The recent abduction and brutal killing of two Village Defence Guards (VDGs), Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar, in Kishtwar district serves as yet another grim reminder of the fragile peace and recurring cycles of violence that continue to haunt Jammu and Kashmir. These individuals, devoted to protecting their community from terror, fell victim to the very menace they sought to guard against. Their deaths are not only a loss to their families but an affront to the resilience of local communities striving for peace.
This heinous act, attributed to the Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Jaish-e-Mohammad, underscores the disturbing resurgence of terrorism in the Jammu region. With increasing attacks in districts like Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Poonch, the situation raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the current security framework and the responsibility of the Home Ministry in restoring a secure environment in the Union Territory. When the lives of citizens are endangered, and communities face unrelenting threats, the onus lies with the government to implement effective countermeasures and address the root causes that enable such violence.
This latest tragedy underscores the need for transparency in the government’s anti-terror strategy. While Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have condemned the killings, words alone cannot heal the deep wounds left by acts of terror. The people deserve more than condemnations—they deserve action. A clear, coordinated plan from the Home Ministry to dismantle terror networks operating in the region and prevent cross-border incursions is essential. The call to eradicate these terror cells must be more than rhetoric; it must translate into actionable policies that empower communities rather than leave them vulnerable.
Moreover, the recent spike in attacks has revealed the unsettling presence of forces that are actively working against the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the reorganization of the Union Territory, efforts to establish democratic institutions have been a priority. Yet, every step towards local governance is met with an uptick in terror-related incidents. The correlation between democratic progress and acts of violence is undeniable, and it brings to light the intent of certain agencies and groups to destabilize the region and keep its citizens in a perpetual state of fear and insecurity.
Kishtwar’s complete shutdown, called by the Sanatan Dharam Sabha to protest these tragic killings, reflects the widespread anguish and frustration among residents. The government’s resolve to protect the people of Jammu and Kashmir cannot remain in question; it must be evident in its actions. The onus now lies on security agencies and the Home Ministry to bolster the trust of the people by delivering tangible results. Concrete steps to secure the lives of citizens, especially those who risk their own lives to protect others, should be prioritized without delay.
Jammu and Kashmir’s citizens have endured far too many cycles of violence. It is high time for the government to turn its resolve into results and ensure that their hopes for a peaceful, terror-free existence are not dashed. The sacrifice of Nazir Ahmed and Kuldeep Kumar should serve as a call to action—a reminder that restoring and preserving peace in this region is a commitment that must be honored with the highest degree of accountability and resolve.
