For decades, the silence in Kashmir was often loudest in the homes of terror victims. These were families who, after losing loved ones to the brutality of terrorism, were forced into a shadow existence—marginalized by a system that seemed paralyzed by fear or, worse, indifference. However, the recent ceremony at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar, where Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha handed over appointment letters to 39 Next of Kins (NoKs) of terror victims, marks a definitive turning point in the history of the Union Territory.
This administrative gesture transcends mere employment; it is a profound restoration of dignity. As the Lieutenant Governor rightly noted, behind every letter lies a tragic history of children growing up without parents and homes shattered by violence. The stories of beneficiaries like Pakeeza Riyaz, who waited since 1999 for justice, or Fozy of Qazigund, who lost two generations of support in a single day, highlight the agonizing wait these families have endured. By institutionalizing their rehabilitation, the current administration is finally closing the gap between the state and its most vulnerable citizens.
The government’s proactive stance stands in stark contrast to the governance models of the past. The Lieutenant Governor’s observation—that previous regimes often saw Over Ground Workers (OGWs) of terror outfits securing government patronage while victims were left to fend for themselves—exposes the deep rot that once existed within the system. The abrogation of Article 370 has evidently served as a catalyst for this correction. It has dismantled the “terror ecosystem” that thrived on the silence of the majority and replaced it with a framework where victims can speak without fear and claim their rightful dues.
Furthermore, the administration’s support is holistic, extending beyond jobs to include housing reconstruction and the removal of encroachments from victims’ properties. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the policy of “Zero Tolerance” toward terrorism is being matched by “Maximum Support” for its victims.
The message from Srinagar is clear: The state no longer looks away. The J&K administration is not just delivering justice; it is rebuilding the moral foundation of society. This is the “Naya Kashmir” promised—one where the sacrifice of the innocent is honored, and the rule of law prevails over the rule of the gun.
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