Er. Mohit Mahajan
Our Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has been embroiled in a battle against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism for nearly four decades. This campaign of terror was launched with the malicious intent of capturing Kashmir by luring Kashmiri youth into militancy, and subsequently training them in camps established across the border.
These misguided and highly radicalized youth along with infiltrators from Pakistan, initiated terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the loss of innocent civilians, security personnel, and even militants. This unrest has been most prominent in the Kashmir Valley and, in recent times, has also affected parts of the Chenab and Pir Panjal regions of Jammu Province. Additionally, sporadic incidents of violence have been reported in the Dogri-speaking belt of Jammu. However, our vigilant security forces have successfully thwarted these attempts.
The revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and the subsequent declaration of J&K as a Union Territory marked a turning point. Since then, terrorist activities have significantly declined due to the well-coordinated efforts of the Indian Army, J&K Police, and Central Paramilitary Forces such as the BSF and CRPFetc.. The security situation in the Kashmir Valley has notably improved, enabling the peaceful conduct of major events like Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and the G-20 Summit in Srinagar in 2023. Furthermore, 2024 witnessed a major surge in tourism, providing a much-needed boost to the once-dwindling industry.
This progress has been possible only through the tireless dedication of our brave security personnel, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and in restoring peace. Yet, this battle is far from over, as our forces continue to engage with terrorists from time to time.
According to government data, approximately 41,000 people have lost their lives due to insurgency as of March 2017, including 14,000 civilians, 5,000 security personnel, and 22,000 militants. This figure has undoubtedly risen since then.
While the deaths of our security personnel are mourned, the tribute remains largely symbolic. Only a handful of politicians, bureaucrats, and senior officials extend their condolences, while the general public remains engrossed in their daily lives, often oblivious to the sacrifices made for their safety. This lack of national awareness is highly insensitive.
It is imperative to recognize that our security forces operate in extremely challenging conditions, willingly risking their lives to combat terrorism and safeguard society. Many of them make the supreme sacrifice and it is therefore, the duty of every citizen to honor their memory, share in the grief of bereaved families, and show solidarity.
In August 2023, the Government of India launched the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign, urging people to pay tribute to our “Veers” (bravehearts) and “Veeranganas” (brave women) who laid down their lives for the nation. As part of this initiative, a nationwide “Amrit Kalash Yatra” was organized during which, the soil was collected from the homes of martyrs and placed in “urns” that were later brought to Delhi for the establishment of “Amrit Vatika,” symbolizing the nation’s collective commitment to honoring its fallen heroes.
This commitment must also be reflected in JK UT government’s policies. Our martyrs, who laid down their lives to protect us, deserve more than just ceremonial tributes. The civil society of J&K must be sensitized, and citizens must be encouraged to recognize the significance of their sacrifices.
We must not wait for another Pulwama (God forbid) to awaken the nation. Even a single fallen soldier deserves our undivided attention, respect, and gratitude.
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Honoring Fallen Soldiers(even for single martyred soldier) should be in place to ensure that the sacrifices of our soldiers are given due recognition and I humbly propose the following SOP for J&K UT:
1. Statewide Mourning:
All government and private offices, schools, colleges, and institutions should hold prayer meetings in honor of the martyr.
2. National Flag at Half-Mast:
The National Flag on all government buildings in J&K should be flown at half-mast for one day.
3. Official Functions/ceremonies
All major official functions/ceremonies on that day should either be postponed or conducted in a solemn manner without unnecessary pomp and show.
4. Closure of Liquor Shops:
All liquor shops across J&K should remain closed for half a day as a mark of respect.
5. Public Donation for Martyrs’ Families:
A designated bank account should be prominently displayed and publicized across digital, print, and radio media (AM/FM) to facilitate donations for the bereaved families.
6. Employment for the Next of Kin:
The kin of the martyr should be offered a job by the J&K Government and arrangements must be made to ensure regular income for the bereaved family, in addition to ex-gratia payments and other relief measures.
Let every citizen of J&K become sensitive to the issue and show concern & involvement in the hour of grief, pain and sorrow with the families who have lost their loved ones in the service of nation.
I humbly submit this request for the kind consideration of the Government.
(The author is former Chief Engineer)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
