[ez-toc] Remembering the Tragic Stories of Girija Tickoo, Sarla Bhat, and Prana Ganjoo
Some stories are painful to tell, yet they must be remembered. This is the heartbreaking tale of three brave women: Girija Tickoo, Sarla Bhat, and Prana Ganjoo, who lost their lives in the violence of Kashmir in 1990. Their stories shed light on the horrors faced by thousands of Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to flee their homeland forever.
Who Were These Women?
These women were ordinary people, just like us, contributing to society through their professions:
- Girija Tickoo – A librarian who helped students find knowledge.
- Sarla Bhat – A nurse who cared for the sick with compassion.
- Prana Ganjoo – A teacher who dedicated her life to educating children.
Yet, their peaceful lives were shattered by unimaginable violence, leaving scars that continue to haunt the memories of those who knew them.
Why Their Stories Matter
We do not recount their stories merely as a history lesson, but as a reminder of justice yet to be served. Their names stand as a testament to the brutal ethnic cleansing that wiped out an entire community from their homeland.
Their dreams, their hopes, everything was taken away in an instant. But we must keep their memory alive, just as a candle burns bright in the darkest of times.
They walked with dreams, with hope so bright,
Yet darkness came, stole their light.
Not for their sins, not for their deeds,
But for their faith, their cries, their pleas.
The Tragic Story of Girija Tickoo
A Deceptive Return to Bandipora
In June 1990, Girija Tickoo, a young librarian, was tricked into returning to Bandipora from Jammu. She had fled earlier to escape the rising violence against Kashmiri Pandits. However, a colleague, secretly working for radicals, falsely assured her that it was safe to return and collect her salary.
The Horrific End
Trusting this lie, Girija returned on June 25, 1990, unaware that she was walking into a deadly trap. Terrorists kidnapped her, brutally gang-raped, and tortured her before murdering her in the most inhumane way possible. She was dismembered alive using a mechanical saw. Her remains were discarded near the Jhelum River.
What Was Her Fault?
Her only “crime” was being a Kashmiri Pandit woman. Her murder was meant to instil fear, ensuring that the remaining Kashmiri Pandits fled the valley, never to return.
The Tragic Story of Sarla Bhat
A Life Dedicated to Healing
Sarla Bhat, a compassionate nurse, was dedicated to caring for the sick. She worked at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar and was loved by her patients.
The Kidnapping and Torture
On April 14, 1990, Sarla was abducted from her hostel by terrorists belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). She was subjected to four days of horrific abuse before being brutally murdered. Her lifeless body, marked with signs of extreme torture, was found on April 19, 1990.
The Real Reason Behind Her Murder
Her identity as a Kashmiri Pandit, along with false accusations of being a police informant, led to her horrific fate. The intention was clear: to instil terror among the remaining Pandits and drive them out forever.
The Tragic Story of Prana Ganjoo and K.L. Ganjoo
A Chilling Slogan that Echoes in History
The horrifying slogan, “Asi gachhay panunuy Pakistan, batav rostuy ta batanyen saan” (We want our Pakistan, without Pandit men but with their women), exposes the horrific mindset behind the ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits.
The Abduction of Professor K.L. Ganjoo and Prana Ganjoo
Professor K.L. Ganjoo, a respected agriculture scientist, and his wife, Prana Ganjoo, were abducted in broad daylight. Their capture spread fear among the community, as their fate was uncertain.
The Ruthless Murders
Professor Ganjoo was shot dead and thrown into the Jhelum River. As for Prana Ganjoo, reports suggest she was subjected to inhumane treatment before being killed. Some say her body was also thrown into the river, though the details remain unclear.
Their deaths serve as yet another chilling reminder of the atrocities that took place during this dark chapter of history.
Why We Must Remember
Their stories are not just painful recollections of the past; they are a warning for the future. Generations must know the truth, so that such horrors are never repeated.
- The Kashmiri Pandit community lost their homes, families, and loved ones overnight.
- Thousands were forced into exile, carrying nothing but their memories.
- The pain of those who survived remains unspoken, unheard, and unresolved.
The world must remember their suffering, not for revenge, but for justice and acknowledgement.
A Call to Keep Their Memory Alive
History should never be rewritten to erase the truth. Share these stories, educate the next generation, and ensure that their voices are never silenced.
Like a candle burning in the dark, their memory must continue to shine.
Final Thoughts
This story is not just about three women; it is about an entire community that was uprooted, brutalised, and silenced. We must continue to speak their truth and demand justice.
What are your thoughts on keeping history alive? Share your views in the comments below.
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