Today, justice has finally prevailed after 30 years: Terror Victims
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: For the first time in over three decades, the long-silenced voices of the children of terror victims in Jammu and Kashmir found solace and recognition, as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha handed over government job letters in a deeply emotional ceremony.
The function was held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), set against the serene backdrop of Dal Lake in Srinagar — a location symbolic of both Kashmir’s enduring beauty and the resilience of its people.
Tears, gratitude and decades of buried pain surfaced as young men and women—who had grown up with the weight of loss—stepped forward to receive what many described as “a long-overdue act of justice”.
Anju Mushtaq from Anantnag was only six years old when her father was killed in the violence that consumed Kashmir during the 1990s. Clutching her appointment letter with trembling hands, she spoke with a mix of sorrow and strength.
“For years, we were only used and forgotten. But today, justice has finally prevailed. I am grateful to LG Manoj Sinha for remembering us when no one else did.”
Bisma Riyaz of Shopian, who lost her father in 1996, described a journey marked by broken promises and silent suffering.
“We knocked on every door, begged for help, and waited with hope—but no one ever listened. We were fed hollow promises. Today, after a long, painful wait, justice has finally reached us,” she said, her voice filled with quiet determination.
From a remote village in South Kashmir, Ishfaq Ahmed Bhat shared a similarly painful past. His father was killed in the year 2000, and for over two decades, the family received little more than indifference.
As he embraced the Lieutenant Governor on stage, the crowd stood still in silence. Later, Bhat told reporters, “The LG had assured us that justice would be delivered within a month—and he has honoured his word. I never thought this day would come.”
The job letters were handed out as part of the J&K administration’s larger commitment to support families who have suffered due to terrorism. A similar distribution had earlier taken place in Baramulla, where families of slain civilians also received appointment letters under compassionate grounds.
Addressing the gathering, LG Manoj Sinha reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to bring justice to all genuine claimants.
“This is not a favour—this is a rightful recognition of your pain, sacrifice, and silent resilience. The government stands by every family that lost a loved one to terrorism. We are determined to ensure that your voices are heard, and your future secured,” he said.
Officials present at the event described the ceremony as “historic” and “emotionally stirring”. For many families, it marked a turning point not only in policy but in public memory.
“For years, no one even asked how we were. Today, we feel seen, heard, and respected,” one recipient quietly said as she stepped off the stage.
The J&K Government has stated that the process of identifying and assisting all eligible families will continue, with a compassionate and time-bound approach.
Each case, officials assure, will be reviewed thoroughly to ensure fairness and transparency.
