Rahul Bhat’s Murder: Loosers will never gain in Kashmir

By:- Syed Showket

Kashmiri Pandits have been a soft target for terrorists-physically, and for separatists they are a readymade argument to prove their “human values.” But this situation of fear, anxiety and killings like that of Rahul Bhat’s is a creation of them-the separatists whose political castle stands of dead bodies and graves of ordinary people. Pandita’s cold blooded murder reminds the horrific period of 1990s, when terrorists threatened and targeted Kashmiri Pandits who are bonafide residents of Kashmir like any other citizen. The local newspapers carried warnings and open threats against those “siding with India” in that “fight for azadi.” Then we had to witness those horrific days, during which Kashmiri Pandits became easy targets of terror, harassment, bombing of their homes and places of worship.

Some four hundred thousand Pandits of Kashmir were forced to leave Kashmir, their home land, to save their lives. Those were the dark days of our motherland. The terrorists who claim to fight for a “just cause” drove away rightful inhabitants of a place.

Even today, they continue to live as “internally displaced migrants” in their own country. While most of Kashmiri Pandits have now carved a niche for themselves in different parts of India, several thousands are still languishing in migrant camps in and around Jammu. The stories of their struggles and plight have remained untold for years.

I was a ten year old child when I saw all this mayhem around. In my village, we had Pandits living amongst us-I knew many of them by name-some teachers, some running shops in the local market and some engaged in farming. My father and grandfather had 4-5 close Pandit friends. When they visited our home, I used to get toffees and sometimes shining two or five rupee notes. In fact on every Eid, we had a party at home in which my father and grandfather invited all their friends. That was the best day for me, for I used to get bulk of currency notes as Eidi. I never knew they are some different people than ours. My father or grandfather never told me they are different from us-never ever. Never came the question of religion.

Most often, I relapse in memory and it brings tears in my eyes. When I heard the news this Kashmiri Rahul Bhat was murdered, I could not control my tears. He is as good a Kashmiri as I am; he has every right, like me, to live in his motherland the way he wants, to do job the way I and my friends do. What qualified him to be target of “jihad,” …just because he belongs to other religion? Habba Khatoon’s line comes to mind: Tse Kyoho Vaatiyo Myaani Maranai (what will you gain from my death?)

I am somewhat happy to see that there has been massive outrage on Social and print media after the killing of Rahul Bhat -not only from Kashmiri Pandits but good number of Kashmiri Muslims as well. This again reinforces the fact that Kashmiri, ordinary Kashmiries have rejected this violence on the basis of religion then in early 90s, and they continue to denounce it now. Needless to say that for obvious reason, they fear to speak up. But an ordinary kashmiri speaks up through his actions-when he welcomes Kashmiri Pandit neighbour at Mela Khirbhawani in Tulmulla Ganderbal, when he has his Pandit neighbour visit Kashmiri in summers, when he visits Jammu and makes it a point to meet his Pandits friend and neighbours …Kahsmiri Muslim has spoken up always. I am a Kashmiri Muslim and I speak up now to call those terrorists who murdered my co-Kashmiri Rahul Bhat, who is dear to me like any other Muslim Kashmiri.

I understand that Rahul Bhat a famous employee of Kashmir triggered old memories and fear among Kashmir Pandits, particularly those who live in Kashmir for business and jobs. But I am certain that this desperation of terrorists to instil fear in the minds of Pandits will never succeed, it never did.

Rahul Bhat’s broad day murder reminds terrific words of Dr Shraddha brave daughter of martyr Makan Lal Bindroo’s that i am not sad but proud that her father was a man who served humanity till his last breath. “i don’t have single tear in my eyes. My father died like a fighter. He would always say that he will die with shoes on. “She like a brave daughter said that his death made a name in the Kashmiri society and was always supportive of his family. You kill the body but not spirit, i have read Quran, and it does not justify the killing of innocent people.

The gruesome manner in which Rahul Bhat and others who has been helpful during tough times for kashmiri people was killed in a broad day light does raise questions on the safety of thousands of Pandit employee currently serving in Kashmir valley under the prime minister’s employment package. Rahul Bhat’s along with his family had set an example by returning to Kashmir valley besides 808 families at a time when the majority of community members were still struggling to cope up with the pangs of migration.

We should note that Rahul Bhat’s love for his homeland Kashmir made him vulnerable; he did not wait for any government security, but decided to live along with his Muslim neighbours. He stayed in his native town and was known for his honesty and sense of community. That’s how he got popularity as a famous employee in whole south Kashmir.

This murder is a tactic by terrorists to discourage Pandits from coming and living in Kashmir. They will never succeed, because these terrorists are a handful of people and Pandits need not their approval to come and live in their motherland. They have their neighbours and friends here who stand by them ever and always.

Writer Syed Showket can be reached at [email protected]