Opinion | The Killing of a Police Man Such attacks deepen wounds that Kashmir has been striving to heal

The killing of a police personnel by terrorists is not merely an attack on an individual in uniform; it is an assault on the very fabric of Kashmiri society. Every such act leaves behind a grieving family, a traumatised community, and a painful reminder of the human cost of violence. No political grievance, ideological narrative, or manufactured justification can ever legitimise the cold-blooded murder of a fellow human being.A police officer in Jammu and Kashmir is more than a law enforcement official. In most cases, he is a son of the soil, a neighbour, a friend, a father, or a brother who has chosen to serve his own people. The victim belongs to the same society that has already endured decades of conflict, uncertainty, and loss. Such attacks deepen wounds that Kashmir has been striving to heal.

Terrorism has brought nothing but sorrow to the Valley. For more than three decades, violence has claimed thousands of lives, disrupted education, weakened the economy, displaced families, and left generations scarred by fear and trauma. Every innocent life lost has been a setback for peace and progress. The promise of a prosperous and stable Kashmir has repeatedly been overshadowed by acts of terror that benefit no one except those who thrive on instability.It is increasingly evident that terrorism today survives not because it enjoys widespread public support, but because it relies on fear and sporadic acts of violence. The aspirations of ordinary Kashmiris have changed. Young people seek quality education, meaningful employment, entrepreneurship, tourism, and opportunities that connect them with the rest of the world. Parents dream of secure futures for their children rather than lives shaped by conflict. Businesses, students, farmers, and professionals all recognise that peace is the foundation upon which prosperity is built.

This changing public sentiment reflects a broader rejection of violence. Across the Valley, there is a growing realisation that terrorism has failed to deliver dignity, stability, or a better future. Instead, it has inflicted immeasurable suffering on the very people in whose name it often claims to act. The silence or condemnation that follows such attacks is not merely a reaction to a tragic event; it is an expression of society’s desire to move beyond the cycle of bloodshed.The role of Pakistan in sustaining terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has long been a subject of international concern. Cross-border infiltration and support for armed groups have repeatedly strained regional peace and resulted in immense human suffering. Yet, despite decades of violence, the fundamental aspirations of the people of Kashmir remain rooted in security, development, and normalcy rather than perpetual conflict. The repeated use of violence has neither resolved any issue nor improved the lives of ordinary Kashmiris. Instead, it has prolonged grief and uncertainty and Pakistan is responsible for this.

The killing of local police personnel also exposes the contradiction within the ideology of terrorism. Those who are targeted are often individuals who come from humble Kashmiri families and serve their own communities. They help maintain public order, respond during emergencies, assist citizens during natural disasters, and perform duties that extend far beyond policing. Their sacrifice deserves respect, not bullets.At this difficult moment, the foremost responsibility of society is to stand united against violence in all its forms. Condemning terrorism should never be viewed through political or ideological lenses. It is, above all, a moral imperative. Every voice raised against the murder of innocents strengthens the collective resolve to protect life, uphold justice, and preserve peace.Equally important is extending compassion and solidarity to the bereaved family. Behind every fallen police officer is a family whose life changes forever. Their grief is shared by the entire community, and they deserve not only sympathy but lasting support and recognition for the sacrifice made by their loved one.

Kashmir today stands at a defining moment. The UT has witnessed encouraging signs of economic activity, educational advancement, and tourism. These gains, however, remain fragile as long as violence continues to cast its shadow. Every act of terrorism seeks to disrupt this progress and revive an atmosphere of fear. It is therefore essential that society responds not with hatred or division but with greater unity and an unwavering commitment to peace.The future of Kashmir cannot be built with guns or intimidation. It must be shaped through education, dialogue, economic opportunity, and respect for human life. The overwhelming majority of Kashmiris aspire to live with dignity, security, and hope. They deserve a future free from the burden of terrorism.

The killing of a police man is a tragic reminder that violence spares no one. It takes away fathers from children, sons from parents, and protectors from communities. Such acts deserve unequivocal condemnation.Kashmir continues its journey towards peace and stability, the strongest response to terrorism is not fear but an unshakeable commitment to humanity, justice, and the shared dream of a peaceful future for all.

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