Connect with us
हिंदी اردو
Tuesday,04-August-2026
Breaking News

Crime

Kashmir Files: A grim reminder of role of Pak ISI in ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits

Published

4 years ago

on

“Kashmir Files”, a documentary film, has opened many wounds that were never healed even after more than three decades. There is not only one but countless true stories narrating the genocide of Kashmiri Pandit Community in the Kashmir valley. The film depicts the tragedies inflicted upon the Kashmiri pandits by the deep state of Pakistan and their loyalist terror outfits.

Though insurgency in Kashmir began in 1987 when Congress was in power in the centre. But by 1983, Pakistani dictator Zia ul Haq was fully prepared for covert operations against India, first in Punjab and subsequently in Kashmir. Zia’s policy laid down the foundation of Jihad. He believed that the Kashmir dispute would be solved in the context of an Islamic government in Afghanistan, a jihad in Kashmir and an uprising in Punjab in India. The late 1980s saw Islamic fundamentalism taking roots in the valley as a sequel to General Zia’s seminal strategy which intended to incite the locals into militancy. Zia was adamant to make Kashmir an Islamic issue and his policy spurred support of Pakistan’s fundamentalist parties and their loyalists in the Pakistani army and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

Pakistan’s involvement in Afghanistan was an apprenticeship for its low intensity conflict in Kashmir. The cash, arms and ammunition provided by the US and channelled through the ISI found its way to the Pakistani arms market and finally to the radical organisations.

The withdrawal of the Soviet Union and later its disintegration convinced the Pakistani establishment regarding the capabilities of the well organised “jihadi” groups. Pakistan’s strategy was to engage them in a low- intensity conflict in Kashmir with rewarding results. Armed with sophisticated weapons and cash from the US, motivated through religious indoctrination and convinced about their dedication to the cause of Islam and their ultimate victory, this new breed of Islamic jihadis emerged as a new tool to execute the foreign policy objectives of Pakistani military establishment. It wanted to achieve Pakistan’s objective of inflicting damage to India. According to the Pakistani strategy, this would also succeed in internationalising the Kashmir issue and keep India under the pump.

Zia died in a plane crash in 1988 but under the tenure of Benazir Bhutto, the Pakistani army and ISI kept executing its own Kashmir agenda as usual.

In his book “Shadow War: The untold story of jihad in Kashmir”, Pakistani journalist Arif Jamal gives a detailed reports about how plans were discussed in Kathmandu on January 4, 1990. While pro-jihadi participants voiced concerns over the growing influence of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) at the meeting, the founding leader of Jamat opposed direct involvement as it would destroy the organization and open it to an Indian security assault.

It was at this ISI sponsored meeting that pro-Pakistan separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani suddenly appeared and made a passionate plea for openly supporting jihad in Kashmir. According to Jamal, that all the factions thereon supported jihad in Kashmir after this decisive meeting.

After consolidation, the ISI selected terrorist organisations to promote the next agenda – ethnic cleansing in Kashmir.

The diabolic project began with the targeting of Hindus in late 1989. The first to be killed was Pandit Tika Lal Taploo, a prominent leader of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandit community. Four months later, on 4January1990, Aftab, a local Urdu newspaper in Srinagar ran a press release issued by the Pakistan based terrorist outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, proclaiming jihad and asking all Hindus to leave the valley. Walls were plastered with posters asking Hindus to leave Kashmir, Hindu homes were dotted red and Hindu women were forced to sport marks on their foreheads (tilak); masked men with Kalashnikovs roamed the streets forcing people to reset their watches and clocks to Pakistan Standard Time.

With each passing day of January 1990, the tension mounted. Then on 19 January 1990, dubbed as the Kristallnacht of the Kashmiri Hindu Pandit community, the pressure reached its zenith. As dusk approached and Hindu families, women and children included, cowered inside their homes, behind the false security of their doors, outside the spine-chilling exhortations to leave the valley became louder and shriller. The muezzin’s routine calls to the Islamic faithful from mosque tops was replaced by three taped slogans that resonated throughout the cold January night asking Hindus to convert and follow the Shariat if they wanted to stay in Kashmir or to leave their wives and daughters behind.

Grabbing just what they could carry, uprooted Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave the valley, leaving behind their ancestral homes.

All in all, according to IDMC (Internal Displacement Monitoring Center of the Norwegian Refugee Council) 350,621 Kashmiri Pandits or 90% of the Kashmiri Pandits who were living in the valley fled Kashmir.

According to a report by Shishir Gupta, Executive Editor, Hindustan Times, “the pattern on killings of Kashmiri Pandits by terrorists shows that the bulk of targeted attacks took place in 1990 with the onset of jihadi terrorism in the Valley. Subsequent killings dramatically dropped not because of a change in the intent of the Pak sponsored terror campaign but because the adversary had achieved their strategic goal-pogrom to cleanse the Valley”.

“The Pandits were killed primarily with the sinister jihadi agenda to establish Nizam-e-Mustafa in the Valley as part of a pogrom, the majority community were mostly killed as collateral damage during maintenance of law and order, encounters with terrorists, during grenade and IED attacks in the Valley. A considerable number were also targeted for variety of reasons ranging from suspected informers, refusing diktats of terror commanders related to women, money, or property as also terrorists taking sides and settling local disputes related to personal enmity,” writes Gupta quoting a senior Kashmir police officer.

“Although the Pakistani deep state is responsible for destroying communal cohesion in Kashmir in the 1990s, it was Islamabad’s then friend, the US, which failed to recognize terrorism in Kashmir till the J&K Assembly attack on October 1, 2001. Throughout the entire 1990s, the Valley was all about human rights with the US State Department and western media and their proxies in the Valley batting for Rawalpindi GHQ in the international fora and pinning down India on so-called violation of human rights. The US definition in the Valley changed from freedom fighter to militant to terrorist after the 9/11 attacks and the December 13, 2001, attack on the Indian Parliament,” says the report.

Things are changing for betterment since August 5, 2019 when Jammu and Kashmir was declared a Union Territory after article 370 was abrogated. Though the terror incidents have come down effectively but Pakistan is still trying to radicalise the local Kashmiri youth. Majority of Kashmiri pandits are still scared of going back to the valley, leaving their “settled” lives elsewhere. The Indian security agencies are on alert after the humiliating withdrawal by the US last year leaving sophisticated weapons worth billions of dollars with the Taliban in Afghanistan. There are apprehensions that the Taliban “affiliated” all Sunni Pakistani terror outfits may once again try to revive militancy in Kashmir.

“It is not the 1980s and this time Pakistan has been getting a taste of its own recipe. Baloch, TTP, ISIS all want their ‘booties, “says one intelligence officer adding, “but we can’t lower our guard.”

Post Views: 260
Related Tags:

Crime

Delhi Police arrest Neeraj Bawana gang member after brief encounter

Published

16 hours ago

on

August 4, 2026

By

New Delhi, Aug 4: The Outer North District Police have arrested an alleged active member of the Neeraj Bawana/Naveen Bali gang following an encounter on GTK Road to Hiranki Pushta Road, officials said on Tuesday.

The accused, identified as Savinder alias Baba alias Pagal, was injured during the exchange of fire and has been taken into custody.

According to a press note issued by the Delhi Police, the operation was carried out late on August 3 at around 10 p.m. by teams of the Special Staff and Alipur Police Station following specific intelligence inputs about the accused’s movement.

The police said Savinder, aged 36, was a key associate of the gang and had allegedly been involved in extortion activities targeting businessmen and property dealers in the Alipur and Narela areas. Due to fear of retaliation, many victims were reportedly reluctant to approach the police, officials said.

The police team laid a trap on the route from GTK Road to Hiranki Pushta Road to apprehend the accused. As per the police statement, when Savinder was intercepted and asked to surrender, he allegedly opened fire at the police personnel.

“The moment the accused was intercepted and asked to surrender, he resorted to violence and fired indiscriminately at the police party,” the Delhi Police said in its statement.

During the exchange of fire, Sub-Inspector Vishal narrowly escaped injury after a bullet hit his bulletproof jacket, police said. The team retaliated in self-defence, following which the accused sustained a gunshot injury to his left leg and was overpowered. No police personnel were injured in the incident.

The accused was immediately provided medical assistance and was first taken to Raja Harishchandra Hospital before being shifted to LNJP Hospital. Police said he is currently stable and conscious.

The police recovered one pistol, three live 7.65mm cartridges, three empty 7.65mm rounds, and two empty 9mm rounds from his possession.

According to the police, Savinder has a criminal record involving six FIRs, including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, assault, and violations under the Arms Act. He was also allegedly involved in threatening businessmen in the area.

The Delhi Police said the arrest has dealt a major setback to the activities of the Neeraj Bawana/Naveen Bali gang in Outer North Delhi and is expected to provide relief to the local business community.

“Delhi Police remain committed to maintaining law and order and will continue to take strict action against such anti-social elements,” the statement said.

Further investigation and legal proceedings are underway, police added.

Post Views: 59,034
Continue Reading

Crime

Delhi Police bust interstate illicit liquor network; 147 cartons seized, one held

Published

16 hours ago

on

August 4, 2026

By

New Delhi, Aug 4: In a major crackdown on the illegal liquor trade ahead of the upcoming festive season, the Anti-Snatching and Burglary (ASB) Cell of Delhi Police’s East District on Tuesday has busted an interstate illicit liquor supply network, arresting one bootlegger and recovering 147 cartons of illegal liquor being transported from Haryana for distribution in Delhi.

The police also seized a goods vehicle, which was being used to transport the contraband. A case has been registered under FIR No. 375/2026 under Sections 33 and 58 of the Delhi Excise Act at Ghazipur Police Station. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members of the liquor smuggling network.

According to the police, the arrested accused has been identified as Mohit, 24, a resident of Village Sewapur in Uttar Pradesh’s Shamli district. Police verification revealed that he was previously involved in five cases registered under the Delhi Excise Act, indicating his continued involvement in illegal liquor trafficking.

Sharing details of the operation, officials said the ASB Cell, East District, has been tasked with taking strict action against bootlegging, illegal arms trafficking, and other criminal activities in view of the festive season. Acting under the supervision of ACP (Operations) Pavan Kumar, a dedicated team led by SI Ajay Tomar, In-Charge of the ASB Cell, was formed. The team included ASI Sabu, Head Constables Shailendra Singh, Subodh and Manendra, and Constable Moradhvaj.

During the intervening night of August 2 and 3, the police team received specific information regarding the movement of a vehicle carrying a large consignment of illicit liquor near Ghazipur Shamshan Ghat in East Delhi. After discreetly verifying the information, the team laid a trap and maintained surveillance along the suspected route.

At the same time, a team from the Delhi Excise Department, led by SI Sachin and comprising HC Rahul and Amit, also tracked the suspicious vehicle and reached the location. In a coordinated operation, the police and excise teams intercepted the Tata Ace and apprehended the driver.

A detailed search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 147 cartons of illicit liquor meant exclusively for sale in Haryana. The vehicle used in transporting the illegal consignment was also seized.

Following the recovery, a case under the Delhi Excise Act was registered at Ghazipur Police Station, and further investigation was launched to identify the source of the liquor, its intended recipients, and other individuals involved in the smuggling network.

During interrogation, Mohit disclosed that he is a native of Shamli district in Uttar Pradesh and has been working as a driver for the past five to six years. During this period, he came into contact with people engaged in the illicit liquor trade and gradually became involved in transporting illegal liquor in exchange for money.

He told investigators that he had been assigned the task of transporting liquor consignments from Haryana and delivering them near Ghazipur Shamshan Ghat in Delhi for a commission. On the day of the incident, he had allegedly collected the liquor consignment from Haryana and was on his way to the delivery point when he was intercepted by the police.

The accused admitted that the 147 cartons recovered from the vehicle were being transported illegally for distribution in Delhi. He also disclosed that five cases under the Delhi Excise Act had previously been registered against him.

Police said efforts are continuing to identify, trace and arrest other associates connected to the racket. Investigators are also working to uncover the larger network involved in the procurement, transportation and distribution of illicit liquor across state borders.

Mohit, who is educated up to Class VIII, had been working as a driver before allegedly turning to illegal liquor transportation. Police said he was lured into the trade by the prospect of earning easy money.

The recovered consignment included 5,200 quarter bottles (104 cartons) of Deshi Sharab ‘Santra,’ 850 quarter bottles (17 cartons) of Deshi Sharab ‘Race-7,’ and 312 bottles (26 cartons) of Deshi Sharab ‘Murthal No. 1,’ all marked ‘For Sale in Haryana Only.’

Post Views: 54,732
Continue Reading

Crime

Five arrested in brutal murder of 15-year-old girl in Assam

Published

1 day ago

on

August 3, 2026

By

Guwahati, Aug 3: Assam Police in the Hailakandi district have arrested five people in connection with the brutal murder of a 15-year-old girl at her residence in the Aloichora area under Katlichera police station, officials said on Monday.

Police said that the suspects are scheduled to be produced before a local court on Monday as authorities widen their investigation to explore all possible angles in the horrific crime.

A senior police official said the incident occurred late Saturday night around 11:00 p.m. when the victim was alone at home.

According to local sources, the girl had initially gone to a nearby relative’s house with her family to attend a feast. However, following a minor disagreement with a cousin, she returned home early.

When the family returned later that night, they discovered her body lying on the floor. The assault was carried out with extreme brutality — her face and head were heavily disfigured, rendering her body almost unrecognisable to her family.

The victim’s relatives have alleged that she was sexually assaulted before being murdered, citing severe injuries found on the body.

The discovery of the crime sparked intense public outrage in the region.

Angry local residents took to the streets and blocked National Highway 6, demanding immediate action, the swift arrest of those responsible, and stringent punishment for the culprits.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in the Hailakandi district, Amitabh Sinha, confirmed that a formal case has been registered and that law enforcement moved quickly to pick up five individuals for questioning.

While the family continues to maintain that sexual violence took place, police officials stated that they are awaiting the final post-mortem report to medically confirm the allegations of sexual assault and establish the precise cause of death.

Reiterating its commitment to justice, the district administration assured that strict legal action will follow against anyone found involved in the crime.

Forensic teams have collected evidence from the crime scene, and police are currently cross-examining the detained individuals to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the murder.

Post Views: 50,462
Continue Reading

Trending