The New Face of Kishtwar: From the Shadows of Violence to the Light of Development

Kishtwar: For many years, Kishtwar and the Chenab Valley were marked by deep-seated conflict. The region experienced numerous violent incidents since the 1990s. In August 1993, Muslim extremists killed 17 Hindu bus passengers in Kishtwar's Sarthal area, marking the beginning of a series of communal attacks against Hindus.

In 2001, Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists brutally murdered 17 Hindu villagers in Ladder village, Doda district, near Kishtwar. Violence persisted, with targeted attacks in 2008 and 2013 resulting in further loss of Hindu lives.

In 2018, Anil Parihar, a prominent BJP leader and beacon of hope for the Parihar community in Kashmir, and his brother Ajeet were killed by Hizbul Mujahideen. They were ambushed while returning home from a shop, a shocking event for the entire region.

Amid these challenging times, Shagun Parihar emerged. At 23, she faced unimaginable grief following her father’s death but channeled her sorrow into a drive for change. The BJP selected her as the only female candidate from Kishtwar in the recent election. Her transition from academics to politics reflects her determination and resilience. Driven by her family's legacy and the desire to honor regional martyrs, Shagun entered the political arena.

Today, Kishtwar is evolving with a new identity—a symbol of perseverance and transformation. Since 2019, the area has seen significant improvements. Incidents of violence have decreased, and temples damaged by terrorism are being restored.

Sacred sites such as the Shri Gauri Shankar Temple and the Ashtabhuja Maa Durga Temple have been meticulously renovated. The Shri Gauri Shankar Mandir in Sarkoot, dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, has become a major pilgrimage destination and a hub for festivals. The temple now hosts events like Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Machail Yatra, and Sarthal Yatra. The recent Janmashtami procession was one of the largest in Kishtwar’s history.

The local Hanuman temple's priest noted, “Temples that were once in ruins have been lovingly restored. These temples now stand as symbols of our community’s steadfast faith and strength.”

Following the abrogation of Article 370, Kishtwar has entered a new phase of development. The Batote-Kishtwar road, now designated a national highway, has become vital for the region.

Local residents have expressed their gratitude to the Indian government, stating, “We now feel secure and can practice our religion openly. Kishtwar represents a fresh start and the resilience of a community that has moved past its troubled history.”

Infrastructure projects like the Khellani Tunnel have revitalized Kishtwar, enhancing connectivity and boosting the local economy.

Raju Shyam, a local resident, commented, “The new road has made travel to Srinagar and Jammu quicker, benefiting our market. We appreciate the government’s commitment to advancing these projects.”

Kishtwar’s transition from violence to progress is a testament to the power of time, courage, and unity. Even the deepest wounds can heal with sustained effort and hope.