On July 13, 2025, the North Kashmir campus of the University of Kashmir in Baramulla became a stage for both tears and hope. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stood before a gathering of families scarred by the brutal legacy of terrorism, distributing appointment letters to 40 next of kin (NoKs) of victims. The event was not merely bureaucratic; it was a deeply emotional milestone for families who have carried the weight of loss, trauma, and societal neglect for decades. For these families, the letters symbolized more than jobs—they represented recognition, justice, and a chance to rebuild lives shattered by violence. This article explores the profound trauma endured by the NoKs of terrorism victims in Jammu and Kashmir, the societal and psychological challenges they face, and the newfound happiness sparked by recent government initiatives that signal a commitment to their rehabilitation and empowerment.
The Enduring Trauma of Loss
The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, spanning over three decades, has left an indelible mark on its people. Since the late 1980s, terrorism has claimed thousands of lives, leaving behind families grappling with grief, fear, and uncertainty. For the NoKs of terrorism victims—spouses, children, parents, and siblings—the loss of a loved one is only the beginning of their ordeal. The trauma they endure is multifaceted, encompassing emotional, psychological, social, and economic dimensions.
The emotional toll is immediate and overwhelming. For many, the death of a family member at the hands of terrorists is not just a personal loss but a public wound. Stories shared during the Baramulla event paint a harrowing picture. One woman recounted how her family members were killed for refusing to aid terrorists, their lives snuffed out in a brutal act of retribution. Another, Suhail Yousuf Shah, spoke of the 2002 murder of his uncle and mother, a tragedy that left his family fractured and directionless. These accounts are not isolated; they echo the experiences of thousands who have lost loved ones to targeted killings, bomb blasts, or crossfire. The suddenness of such losses, often accompanied by gruesome violence, leaves survivors in a state of shock, grappling with feelings of helplessness, anger, and despair.
Psychologically, the impact is long-lasting. Many NoKs suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The constant fear of further violence, especially in a region where militancy has been a persistent threat, compounds their distress. Children who lose parents often grow up with a pervasive sense of insecurity, while widows and elderly parents face the dual burden of grief and responsibility. The psychological scars are deepened by the lack of closure—many cases remain unresolved, with perpetrators unpunished, leaving families to wrestle with a sense of injustice.
Socially, NoKs often face isolation and stigma. In some communities, families of victims are viewed with suspicion, as if their loss somehow taints them. This is particularly true for those whose loved ones were killed for refusing to comply with terrorist demands, as they may be seen as “outsiders” or “traitors” by extremist sympathizers. The societal fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, already strained by decades of conflict, offers little support to these families, who often feel abandoned by both their communities and the state. For instance, LG Sinha noted during the Baramulla event that in the past, some families of victims were overlooked while supporters of terrorism were rewarded with jobs, a bitter reality that deepened the sense of alienation among NoKs.
Economically, the loss of a breadwinner can plunge families into poverty. Many victims were primary earners—shopkeepers, government employees, or laborers—whose deaths left their families struggling to survive. Widows and children often take on low-paying, unstable jobs to make ends meet, while elderly parents may have no means of support. The lack of financial stability exacerbates the emotional and psychological toll, creating a vicious cycle of hardship.
The Historical Context of Neglect
The trauma of NoKs in Jammu and Kashmir is not just a product of individual loss but of systemic neglect. For decades, the region’s volatile political and security situation overshadowed the needs of terrorism victims’ families. Successive administrations, preoccupied with maintaining order and countering militancy, often failed to address the human cost of the conflict. Policies aimed at rehabilitation were inconsistent, and bureaucratic hurdles prevented many families from accessing benefits like compensation or employment schemes.
Moreover, the narrative around the conflict often sidelined the victims. Media and political discourse frequently focused on the broader dynamics of separatism, militancy, and counterinsurgency, leaving little room for the stories of ordinary families caught in the crossfire. In some cases, as LG Sinha pointed out, the system inadvertently rewarded those aligned with extremist ideologies, while victims’ families were left to fend for themselves. This imbalance fostered a sense of betrayal among NoKs, who felt their sacrifices were neither acknowledged nor honored.
The lack of justice further compounded their trauma. Many cases of terrorist killings remain unsolved, with investigations stalled or abandoned. Properties confiscated during the conflict were not always returned, and families struggled to navigate legal and administrative processes to claim their rights. The absence of a dedicated support system left NoKs feeling invisible, their pain unacknowledged by the very state they expected to protect them.
A Turning Point: The Baramulla Event
The distribution of appointment letters on July 13, 2025, marked a significant step toward addressing these grievances. The event, held in Baramulla—a district that has borne the brunt of militancy—was a powerful gesture of recognition. For the 40 individuals who received government job appointments, the letters were more than employment contracts; they were a lifeline, a promise of stability, and a symbol of the state’s commitment to their welfare.
The emotional weight of the occasion was palpable. Tears flowed freely as families recounted their stories of loss and survival. For many, the act of receiving an appointment letter was a moment of catharsis, a rare instance where their pain was publicly acknowledged. The presence of LG Sinha, who listened to their stories and outlined a comprehensive plan for their rehabilitation, added to the sense of hope. His announcement that unregistered cases would be reopened, confiscated properties returned after investigation, and dedicated helplines established in every district signaled a proactive approach to addressing long-standing injustices.
The happiness felt by the NoKs was not just about the jobs but about what they represented: dignity, recognition, and a chance to move forward. For someone like Suhail Yousuf Shah, who lost his mother and uncle to terrorism, the appointment letter was a step toward reclaiming a future stolen by violence. For others, it was a chance to break free from the cycle of poverty and dependency, offering financial security and a sense of purpose.
The Broader Impact of Rehabilitation
The Baramulla event is part of a broader effort by the Jammu and Kashmir administration to prioritize the rehabilitation of terrorism victims’ families. Beyond job appointments, the government has promised financial aid, self-employment opportunities, and streamlined access to support through district-level helplines. These measures address the multifaceted challenges faced by NoKs, from economic hardship to emotional healing.
Economically, government jobs provide stability and a steady income, lifting families out of poverty and reducing their vulnerability. For many NoKs, particularly young adults who grew up in the shadow of loss, these jobs offer a chance to build a career and contribute to their communities. The promise of self-employment schemes further empowers those who may not fit traditional employment models, fostering entrepreneurship and independence.
Psychologically, the recognition of their suffering is a powerful balm. Public acknowledgment of their loss, coupled with tangible support, helps NoKs feel seen and valued. The reopening of unregistered cases and the return of confiscated properties address the lingering sense of injustice, offering a path to closure. These steps validate the families’ experiences, helping to alleviate the psychological burden of unresolved grief.
Socially, the initiative challenges the stigma faced by victims’ families. By prioritizing their welfare, the government sends a clear message that these families are not forgotten or tainted but are instead integral to the region’s fabric. This shift in narrative can help rebuild community trust and foster a sense of solidarity, encouraging other families to come forward and seek support.
Stories of Resilience and Hope
The happiness expressed by NoKs at the Baramulla event is rooted in their resilience. Despite years of trauma, many have found ways to cope and rebuild. For some, this has meant channeling their grief into advocacy, ensuring that other families do not suffer in silence. For others, it has meant quietly persevering, raising children, or caring for elderly parents under immense strain.
One such story is that of a young woman who lost her father to a terrorist attack in the 1990s. Left to support her younger siblings, she took on odd jobs while pursuing her education. The appointment letter she received in Baramulla was not just a job but a validation of her struggle, a chance to provide her family with the stability her father would have wanted. Another story involves an elderly couple who lost their son, a shopkeeper, to a targeted killing. The job offered to their grandson gave them hope that their family’s legacy would continue, despite the pain of their loss.
These stories underscore the transformative power of recognition and support. The happiness felt by NoKs is not about erasing the past but about building a future where their losses are honored, and their voices are heard.
Challenges Ahead
While the Baramulla event is a significant step, challenges remain. The scale of the problem is vast, with thousands of families affected by terrorism across Jammu and Kashmir. Ensuring that all eligible NoKs receive support will require sustained effort and resources. Bureaucratic inefficiencies, which have historically hindered rehabilitation efforts, must be addressed to prevent delays and ensure transparency.
Moreover, the psychological trauma of NoKs requires ongoing attention. While jobs and financial aid are critical, mental health support is equally important. Counseling services, community support groups, and awareness campaigns can help address the long-term effects of trauma, ensuring that families are supported holistically.
Security concerns also persist. In some areas, families of victims may still face threats from extremist elements, necessitating measures to ensure their safety. The government’s commitment to reopening cases and investigating properties must be backed by robust security protocols to protect those who come forward.
A New Chapter
The distribution of appointment letters in Baramulla on July 13, 2025, marks a new chapter for the next of kin of terrorism victims in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a chapter defined not by the pain of the past but by the promise of a better future. For these families, the trauma of loss will never fully fade, but the recognition, support, and opportunities provided by the government offer a path to healing and empowerment.
The happiness felt by NoKs is a testament to their resilience and the power of justice delayed but not denied. As they step into new roles as government employees, entrepreneurs, or advocates, they carry forward the legacy of their loved ones, proving that even in the face of unimaginable loss, hope can prevail. For Jammu and Kashmir, this initiative is a step toward reconciliation, a reminder that healing a wounded region begins with honoring those who have suffered the most.
