ARSHAD KHAN
Once upon a time, Kashmir was known as the serene and peaceful “PEER WAIR,” a land where the melodies of nature harmonized with the laughter of children. It was a place where tranquility reigned supreme, and the people of Kashmir could rest easy, knowing that crimes such as stabbings, rapes, murders, and killings were distant horrors, confined to far-off states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. However, the unfortunate truth is that Kashmir has undergone a drastic transformation, morphing into a hotbed of criminal activities that have shattered the very essence of our existence. Over the past three years, our beloved land has been plagued by a series of unimaginable events that have left us in a perpetual state of disbelief and anguish.
From the depths of our collective memory, haunting images emerge, each more chilling than the last. It is as if the darkness that once lurked on the fringes of our consciousness has now seeped into the very fabric of our lives. We remember a man, consumed by an unfathomable darkness, ruthlessly chopping a teenage girl in Budgam, her life extinguished in an instant, her dreams forever shattered. The mere thought of such a heinous act sends shivers down our spines, for it is a stark reminder that evil knows no bounds. In Baramulla, a son, driven by an incomprehensible rage, mercilessly took the life of his own mother, a bond once sacred now irrevocably broken. The pain and sorrow that must have accompanied such an act are beyond comprehension, leaving us questioning the very nature of humanity. The list of horrifying incidents seems endless, a macabre tapestry woven with the threads of our worst nightmares. A father, driven to madness, snuffed out the life of his own daughter in Kupwara, a once-loving relationship twisted into a grotesque tragedy. A friend, consumed by envy and betrayal, turned against his own confidant in downtown Srinagar, the bonds of trust shattered beyond repair. And in Batamaloo Srinagar, a young boy, his soul tainted by darkness, brutally murdered his girlfriend’s father with a knife, forever staining the streets with the crimson hue of blood. These chilling occurrences, once unthinkable in our peaceful abode, have sadly become the new normal in Kashmir.
In recent times, the trend of stabbing incidents has gained alarming momentum, leaving the entire region in a perpetual state of shock and fear. The crime rates continue to soar, casting a dark shadow over the once vibrant streets of our beloved land. Just yesterday, a heart-wrenching incident unfolded in Chinar Bagh Dalgate, a bustling neighborhood that now bears witness to the darkest depths of human depravity. In this harrowing tale, a young boy, his innocence lost to the abyss, callously stabbed his own friend to death, forever altering the lives of those left behind. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated, as the echoes of this tragedy reverberate through the hearts and minds of every Kashmiri. The pain and anguish that permeate the air are palpable, as we grapple with the harsh reality that our once peaceful haven has been tainted by such senseless violence.
While the rise in crimes, particularly stabbings, is deeply concerning, it is not the only issue plaguing our beloved Kashmir. Another insidious menace has taken hold, further exacerbating the already dire situation. Drug addiction, like a venomous serpent, has slithered its way into the fabric of our society, ensnaring the vulnerable and ensnaring our future generations in its suffocating grip. The once vibrant streets now bear witness to the haunting sight of hollowed eyes and trembling hands, as the youth succumb to the allure of temporary escape. It is disheartening to witness our administration seemingly asleep at the wheel, as our future generations bear the brunt of these challenges. The loss of an entire generation, their potential forever squandered, is a stark reality that we must confront with unwavering determination.
The current state of affairs in Kashmir demands urgent attention and action. Our once peaceful and idyllic land, where the melodies of nature harmonized with the laughter of children, has been marred by a surge in criminal activities, with stabbing incidents becoming distressingly commonplace. It is imperative that we, as a collective, address this issue head-on, for the sake of our future generations and the preservation of the harmony that once defined our beloved Kashmir. Let us rally together, united in our resolve, to reclaim the serenity that has been stolen from us. Let us demand accountability from our administration, urging them to awaken from their slumber and take decisive action. Only through our unwavering determination and collective effort can we restore the peace and tranquility that Kashmir so desperately deserves.
The author can be reached at arshad9708@gmail.com
