Shagun Parihar
There was a time when Kishtwar, like many parts of the Kashmir Valley, experienced violence, communal tension, and rising extremism. Despite its stunning landscapes and rich culture, the district was labeled as another conflict-ridden area in Jammu & Kashmir. The early 1990s were particularly dark. Targeted killings, incidents of militancy, and the breakdown of long-standing communal ties created an atmosphere of despair. Fear and mistrust affected everyday life, putting Kishtwar’s identity as a diverse and harmonious society at risk. However, history has its turning points. A key moment came under then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s leadership. With a vision based on “Insaniyat, Jamhooriyat, and Kashmiriyat,” Vajpayee’s government took significant steps that laid the groundwork for peace in the region. His administration focused on restoring law and order through better policing, promoting community dialogue, and supporting inclusive development. These early efforts, though difficult, gradually helped reduce tensions and restore normalcy. More importantly, they planted the seeds for lasting change.
The real change in Kishtwar began after 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With a commitment to integrate remote areas of Jammu & Kashmir into the mainstream, his government made Kishtwar a priority. This attention was not just symbolic; it led to clear and measurable development. Roads that were once in disrepair were built and improved. Hydropower projects like Pakal Dul and Kiru brought not only energy but also jobs and investment. Schools and healthcare facilities, once rudimentary, began receiving the support needed to uplift a whole generation. Digital and physical connectivity improved, linking the people of Kishtwar with opportunities nationwide. Beyond infrastructure, the most significant change was in the social environment. The restoration of trust between communities, between people and the government, and across generations was crucial. The image of Kishtwar as a divided region began to disappear. Instead, a narrative of resilience, pluralism, and progress emerged. This shift is both rare and significant. Where suspicion once ruled, there is now increasing cooperation and coexistence.
This transformation has made Kishtwar not only safer but also more integrated-socially, economically, and emotionally with the idea of a united India. It has become a model for what can happen in conflict-affected areas when peace is pursued as a state of justice, dignity, and opportunity. While some parts of the Kashmir Valley still struggle with ideological divides and the aftermath of trauma, Kishtwar provides a different and hopeful story. The district has shifted from reflecting the same vulnerabilities of the Valley to becoming a symbol of recovery, reconciliation, and renewal. This contrast is both striking and instructive. Crucially, this success did not come from security operations alone. While policing and intelligence contributed, the heart of the change lies in inclusive governance and community involvement. The Central Government’s initiatives ensured that the district’s unique identity-its tribal heritage, religious diversity, and linguistic richness-was not only preserved but also celebrated. Efforts were made to include youth, religious minorities, and tribal communities in development. Local festivals were renewed and supported not just as cultural events, but as celebrations of unity. The revival of public events and shared spaces helped people reclaim their collective civic life.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Kishtwar’s journey is the people’s role. They chose hope over hate and unity over division. Schools that once felt silent with fear are now filled with learning. Markets that used to close early due to curfews are now bustling. Mosques and temples have resumed their roles as centers of spiritual life and community harmony. By celebrating all national festivals, the people of Kishtwar have reaffirmed their commitment to secularism-not just as a political slogan, but as a shared, lived reality. Today, Kishtwar stands as a symbol of pluralism for the rest of Jammu & Kashmir, especially the Kashmir Valley. It serves as a reminder that no region is doomed to conflict forever. With the right leadership, inclusive governance, and a participatory society, even the most fractured areas can heal and prosper. Under Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas,” Kishtwar has transitioned from a troubled past to a hopeful future.
Along with its social and infrastructure revival, Kishtwar is becoming a popular spot for tourism, especially religious tourism. Surrounded by stunning mountain views, the district features several sacred sites, including the Machail Mata Temple, which attracts thousands of devotees each year during the Machail Yatra. Pilgrims and tourists also visit shrines like Hazrat Shah Asrar-ud-Din Sahib and other Sufi sites, reflecting the area’s rich spiritual and cultural background. As peace and connectivity have improved, the region has become more accessible and appealing. This change has created new opportunities for local businesses and hospitality services. Kishtwar’s blend of religious harmony and natural beauty is making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking spiritual comfort and peaceful surroundings. Its story is not just about local development,it’s a guide for national integration. Kishtwar’s transformation offers both hope and a clear direction: peace involves more than just the absence of conflict; it requires the presence of opportunity, dignity, and mutual respect. If Kishtwar, once engulfed in darkness, can find a new path through peace and coexistence, then other regions can do the same. Let Kishtwar’s story be more than just a case study. Let it be a guiding light for Jammu, for Kashmir, and for the spirit of India.
(The author is MLA from Kishtwar constituency)
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