Rayees Ahmad
On a serene Sunday, under the cool, cloud-laden skies of Srinagar, the vibrant rhythm of life in Nishat unfolded as it always had. Children, liberated from a week of school, filled the air with laughter as they played outdoors. Farmers toiled in fields, preparing the soil for the upcoming agricultural season, while others thronged bustling markets, gathering household essentials. Birds chirped melodiously from treetops, rivers hummed their timeless tunes, and the fragrance of blooming flowers enchanted every passerby. Yet, in an instant, this idyllic harmony was shattered by a horrifying piece of news that spread like wildfire across social media, piercing the hearts of all who heard it.
A nomadic woman, hailing from Reasi and temporarily residing in Nishat, was allegedly assaulted by four inebriated men near Water Works Road. The brutal attack left her grievously injured, and despite being rushed to a hospital, she was declared dead on arrival. The sheer barbarity of the act sent shockwaves through the community, igniting outrage and a unified demand for justice. Swiftly responding, the local police arrested the accused, but the incident has left an indelible scar on the collective conscience of the Valley.
This heinous crime is not merely an assault on an individual but a stark reflection of a deepening moral and spiritual crisis gripping society. The unchecked proliferation of obscenity and vulgarity through digital platforms, coupled with the rampant abuse of alcohol and drugs, has eroded the ethical foundations that once anchored our communities. Corruption and greed have further weakened the moral compass that guided generations, leaving society vulnerable to such atrocities. The incident in Nishat is a grim reminder of how far we have strayed from the values of compassion, respect, and humanity.
The response from the community was immediate and resolute. Local shopkeepers shuttered their businesses for the day in protest, demanding the strictest punishment for the perpetrators. Social, political, and religious groups, transcending sectarian and ideological divides, condemned the act in unison, calling for exemplary action. Residents of Nishat, alongside the broader Valley, expressed their anguish and shame, emphasizing that such an act is an aberration in a land renowned for its hospitality.
For centuries, Kashmir has been a beacon of warmth and generosity, welcoming both native and non-native guests with open arms. Every summer, thousands of nomadic families from the Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley regions migrate to the Valley’s lush meadows to graze their livestock, setting up temporary shelters before departing in autumn. This age-old tradition has been marked by mutual respect and harmony, with no recorded instances of such brutality. Historical accounts, including S.W. Lawrence’s *The Valley of Kashmir*, celebrate the Kashmiri people’s unparalleled hospitality, a legacy that has endured through time.
This legacy was vividly demonstrated last winter when erratic weather stranded tourists in Gagangir, Sonamarg. Local residents opened their homes and mosque hamams, providing shelter, food, and support for days. Youth volunteers braved the elements to assist, earning national acclaim for their selfless service. Yet, the Nishat incident has cast a dark shadow over this proud heritage. The brutal assault and murder of a marginalized woman by local culprits have sparked not only outrage but also profound sadness and concern for the safety and dignity of all who call Kashmir home or visit its sacred soil.
The incident demands more than condemnation—it calls for introspection and action. The rising tide of drug addiction among youth, coupled with the smuggling of banned narcotics, is a key driver of the Valley’s growing crime rates. Law enforcement agencies must collaborate seamlessly to curb these menaces, implementing stringent measures to prevent such tragedies. At the state and union levels, robust legislation is urgently needed to address crimes against women, alongside training programs to empower women with the skills to protect themselves from potential assailants.
Beyond policy, the responsibility to prevent future incidents rests with society as a whole. Academicians, religious leaders, social activists, and political figures must unite to foster a culture of accountability and respect. Awareness campaigns, community dialogues, and moral education can help rebuild the ethical framework that once defined Kashmiri society. This is not merely a crime against a nomadic woman—it is an assault on humanity itself, a clarion call for all to rise and demand justice.
The Nishat incident has shaken the Valley to its core, tarnishing its global reputation as a land of saints and sages. A fast-track inquiry and stern punishment for the culprits are imperative to restore faith in justice. As Kashmir grapples with this tragedy, it must reaffirm its commitment to compassion, hospitality, and humanity, ensuring that such a dark chapter is never repeated.
(Rayees Ahmad Kumar is a columnist from Qazigund, Kashmir.)
