Rayees Ahmad Kumar
The weather was cool and cloudy last Sunday, children were busy in playing outdoors games after a week’s school break, parents were either busy in fields to prepare the land for upcoming agriculture season or in markets purchasing household items, birds were singing melodies on tree branches, rivers and streams pleasing every passerby through their natural music and blossoms and flowers luring every soul by their fragrance and suddenly a horrifying and heart-wrenching news made several rounds on every platform of social media. Like forest fire it got viral, reached every smart phone user and those not possessing these devices, heard it from their loved ones.
A nomadic woman died after being allegedly assaulted by a group of drunk men near Water Works Road in the Nishat area of Srinagar. It was reported that the woman, originally from Reasi and presently putting up in Nishat, was attacked by four individuals who were reportedly under the influence of alcohol. She sustained injuries during the assault and was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Taking cognizance of the matter, local police swiftly swung into action and the accused were arrested.
The incident has triggered public outrage and demands for justice. This inhuman act has shocked us all and people in one voice demanded justice and strict punishment for the guilty. The Vallities in general and Nishat residents in particular condemned the incident and called for an exemplary action. This act of barbarity is not just a crime against an individual—it is a painful reflection of the deepening moral and spiritual crisis engulfing our society.
The unchecked spread of obscenity and vulgarity through digital media, the rampant abuse of alcohol and drugs, and the growing culture of corruption and greed have severely weakened the ethical foundations of our people. The moral compass that once guided society is eroding before our eyes. To condemn this brutal incident, the local shopkeepers kept their shops closed for the whole day and demanded strictest punishment for the culprits. Social, political and religious groups cutting sectarian and party lines, too expressed their anger and demanded stern punishment for the accused.
Each year nomadic people from Pirpanchal and Chenab Valley regions migrate in thousands, to rear end herd their livestock in the vast green meadows of upper areas of valley. They erect temporary tents and canopies to shelter themselves and leave back in Autumn. Such brutal and inhuman episodes were never recorded in Kashmir, it has been a centuries old practice for them to migrate in early summer and leave in late Autumn.
Kashmiris have been hospitable to both our native and non-native guests since time immemorial, history and epics have been all praise to Kashmiris. Even S.W Lawrence, in The Valley Of Kashmir has exalted and glorified Kashmiri people for their utmost love, support and respect they display while welcoming guests from other parts of globe.
Last winter, when tourists got stranded due to erratic weather in Gagangir area of Sonamarg, local people kept open mosque hamams, their own homes, served them for days together, youth came to their rescue and helped them in every respect.
These goodwill gestures were acclaimed and at national level too our commitment to serve humanity was recognized. But most unfortunately, the Sunday’s incident has shaken the whole humanity, we feel ashamed to invite our guests, the sacred land of holy saints never tolerated such tragedies and before global community now, our recognition is fully at stake.
The brutal assault and murder of a marginalized woman at the hands of local culprits, have evoked outrage, sadness and concern for safety and justice. To minimize such episodes and put a check on these incidents, police and other law enforcement agencies must work hand in glove. Drug addiction among our youth besides smuggling of banned narcotic items are the main causes of rising crimes in valley. It needs to be checked fourthwith.
These kinds of heinous crimes can’t be checked unless strong legislations at state and union levels are drafted and debated. Stringent laws to curb crimes against women are much needed at the moment besides conducting training programs to equip them against culprits attempting to assault or murder them.
Academicians, preachers, social activists and religious and political leaders must come forward and play a positive role in curbing the Nishat like incidents in future. It isn’t a crime against a particular community woman, but humanity at large must wake up at the earliest to demand for a fast track inquiry and stern punishment for the culprits.
(The author hails from Qazigund and can be reached at [email protected])
