Decades After Losing Parents to Terrorism, Children in J&K Receive Jobs in a First-of-its-Kind Healing Initiative
Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): In an unprecedented gesture of justice and reconciliation, the Jammu and Kashmir administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday handed over government job letters to children of civilians killed in terrorism-related violence — many of whom had waited for over three decades to be acknowledged.
The poignant ceremony took place at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), nestled on the banks of Srinagar’s Dal Lake. Against this peaceful backdrop, a painful chapter in the region’s history was quietly, but powerfully, addressed.
Emotion hung heavy in the air as the beneficiaries — sons and daughters of those lost to militancy — stepped up to receive their appointment letters. For many, it was the first time the state formally recognised their suffering.
“I was six when my father was killed,” said Anju Mushtaq from Anantnag, her voice trembling with emotion. “For years, we were only remembered during elections or headlines. Today, justice has finally prevailed. I am deeply thankful to LG Manoj Sinha.”
Bisma Riyaz of Shopian lost her father in 1996. She described her journey as one marked by silence and broken promises. “We knocked on every door. No one listened. Politicians came and went, but nothing changed — until now,” she said. “Today, I feel our pain has finally been acknowledged.”
From a remote village in South Kashmir, Ishfaq Ahmed Bhat shared how his father’s killing in 2000 left his family in long-term despair. Overwhelmed by the moment, he embraced the Lieutenant Governor on stage before speaking to reporters. “The LG told us justice would be done within a month. He kept his word.”
The initiative follows an earlier similar function in Baramulla and is part of the UT administration’s wider commitment to rehabilitate families affected by terrorism. The LG has reiterated that every genuine case will be thoroughly examined and justice delivered in a time-bound manner.
“This is not charity — it is about honouring the mem ry of those who were wronged, and offering dignity to those left behind,” said LG Manoj Sinha in his address. “We will ensure that every such family is heard and supported.”
Officials described the occasion as “historic” and “emotionally transformative”, symbolising a shift in the state’s approach from rhetoric to resolution.
“For decades, no one asked how we were surviving,” one recipient said softly. “But today, we feel seen, heard, and, most importantly — respected.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has confirmed that the process of identifying and compensating eligible families will continue, ensuring fairness, transparency, and a sense of long-overdue closure for hundreds of others still waiting in silence(DD)
