Syed Nissar H Gilani
A recent murder in Ganderbal, Kashmir, has sent shockwaves through the community. A young teenager girl was brutally killed by her own sister over a minor disagreement. The elder sister allegedly used a wooden log to strike her sibling on the head, ensuring she was dead before dragging the body to a nearby field in an attempt to conceal evidence. Thanks to efficient police investigation, the elder sister confessed to the heinous crime.
Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident in Kashmir. Two years ago, a similar murder took place in Budgam, where a young man brutally killed his girlfriend. The police, led by then-SSP Syed Al Tahir, solved the case and arrested the culprits. More recently, a youth stabbing incident has added to the region’s concerns about violence.
Equally alarming are the rising suicide cases in Kashmir, with many instances of individuals jumping into the River Jhelum and other water bodies. Furthermore, the drug menace is spreading rapidly in the Union Territory, entrapping young boys and girls in its vicious net. This has resulted in the tragic loss of many young lives, which could have otherwise contributed positively to society.
Reflecting on the past, I recall a time when such incidents were rare and drug consumption was almost unheard of. Our elders would often say, “Look at the sky; if it’s turned brown or red, it means a fight or murder has taken place somewhere, and God is displeased.” The fear of consequences was palpable, and such events were few and far between. It’s striking to see how things have changed over time.
So, what’s the remedy? To address these issues, a collective effort is needed. Imams of mosques can play a pivotal role in combating such evil practices by spreading awareness and promoting moral values. Social society members must also join hands in this campaign, launching aggressive awareness programs to help eradicate this menace. Moreover, parental supervision needs to be intensified to nip the evil in the bud.
Schools can also play a crucial role by employing watch and ward staff to identify and support students who exhibit erratic behavior or signs of drug addiction. Additionally, school authorities must supervise and regulate vendors selling food products outside school premises, as some allegedly use these opportunities to lure young minds with drug-laced substances. This practice needs to be strictly discouraged and stopped.
By working together – law enforcement, community leaders, parents, educators, and stakeholders – we can strive to create a safer and more supportive environment for everyone. It’s time for Kashmir to reclaim its peaceful past and build a brighter future for its youth.
The writer is former Assistant Commissioner of Revenue Department.
