On June 25 1990, Kashmir lost a daughter, a voice, and a part of its conscience.Girija Tickoo, a young Kashmiri Pandit librarian, was abducted, raped, and killed in one of the most brutal acts of that turbulent decade. For those of us who belong to her community, the story isn’t distant history. It’s the echo…

In the valley of whispers, where mountains weep,  Shadows crept in, cold and deep.  Voices of courage, once steady and bright,  We were silenced by fear in the dead of night.  Men of honour, who stood their ground,  Fell to the echoes of gunshots’ sound.  But their legacy, etched in stone,  Lives on, though they…

Introduction: Tika Lal Taploo and the Kashmiri Pandit Exodus The assassination of Tika Lal Taploo in 1989 was more than just the tragic killing of a leader; it marked the beginning of a systematic campaign to uproot the Kashmiri Pandit community. As the first high-profile assassination in a series of calculated attacks by extremists, his death created…

In the beautiful valley of Kashmir, where tall mountains watch over age-old traditions, a single act of violence on February 2, 1990, marked the beginning of a devastating period in the region’s history. This is the heart-wrenching story of Satish Tickoo ( Satish Tikoo), a 22-year-old Kashmiri Pandit whose life was cruelly taken away. His…

In Kashmir’s beautiful yet troubled land, stories of strong women like Kota Rani, Lal Ded, Rupa Bhawani, and Habba Khatoon have long inspired hope and resilience. However, the narrative surrounding women in this region has taken a dark turn, transforming from tales of strength to a haunting reminder of vulnerability. The story of Prana Ganjoo stands as…

The gradual erosion of Kashmiri Pandit festivals and rituals is a pressing concern. This article explores the Lost festivals and rituals of Kashmiri Pandits after being forced out of Kashmir in 1990. There was a time when the snow-covered evenings of Kashmir were filled with anticipation. We, as children, would eagerly wait for our Guru…

Between 1988 and 1990, Kashmir faced a dark era of terrorism that claimed many innocent lives. Notable figures such as Tika Lal Taploo, Justice Neel Kanth Ganjoo, Satish Tikoo, Sarvanand Kaul Premi and his son, Girija Tikoo, Sarla Bhat, Prana Ganjoo, K.L. Ganjoo, and others were tragically murdered. Lassa Kaul was also a victim of…

In the dark days of 1990, as terrorism gripped the Kashmir Valley, a sinister pattern emerged. Those working in telecommunications, radio, and television found themselves in the crosshairs of radical militants. The twisted logic of these extremists painted innocent civilians as spies, leading to a reign of terror that would forever scar the region. Among…

Jo shakhs ho zinda to phir kya khaak marta hai Hunar ke saath insaan amar ho jaata hai These words by Josh Malihabadi resonate profoundly with the life and legacy of Sarvanand Kaul Premi, a luminary whose diverse talents and unwavering spirit continue to inspire long after his untimely demise alongside his younger son, Virender…

Imagine the magic of Kashmir – snow-capped peaks glistening, warm fire crackling, and the aroma of Kahwa and Ksheer chai ( Noon Chai) swirling in the crisp mountain air. But amidst these wonders, there’s a simpler magic, a symbol of Kashmir’s soul – the Kangri. The Kangri is an earthen pot, a beacon of hope in…

The Brutal Killing of Sarvanand Kaul Premi On the fateful night of April 30th, 1990, armed men with extreme views barged into Sarvanand Kaul Premi’s home in Kashmir. They forcefully gathered the family into one room and looted all their valuables like gold, jewellery, cash, and fine clothes. The men even yanked off any gold…