Kashmir is known as the valley of sufis and saints. It is regarded as a paradise on earth for its relentless beauty and natural resources. However, the valley has been tainted by the blots of brutal crimes. The crimes that were alien to the Kashmiri society are thriving at a fast rate. The graph of crimes in Kashmir is showing a steep climb. Society has turned into a living hell. The recent back-to-back adverse episodes are presenting the ugly side of the Kashmir valley and have polluted the essence of Kashmiri culture.
The distressing incident that shocked the valley recently was the killing of a 9-year-old daughter by her father in Kupwara. He strangled the tender flower by slitting her throat. A father is the protector of his children, a superhero to be precise. This incident is by all standards an unimaginable act. A father became a murderer of his daughter. A father brutally plucked the flower of his garden and ripped its beauty before it could fully blossom and spread its splendor. Everyone was stunned with shame and disgust. It left everyone shattered to the core. It was a murder of humanity.
A father is supposed to love, care and look after his kids. He has the responsibility to guard his kids against any storm. A father plays a pivotal role in children’s upbringing. It’s a tragedy rather than a disaster that has befallen us as a society. The incidents like these bring collective shame to society. The heads hang in ignominy. It changes the meaning of the sacred word of the Father. We should learn from animals to care for, nourish and protect the children. Even they know how to behave in a certain way, love their children and never give up on their protection.
A civilized society will never tolerate crimes of such magnitude. Societal stature is of the utmost importance and shall be maintained at any cost. There are a number of factors that have contributed to the degradation of the societal moral structure. The social reforms and committed efforts to delve into the root causes of such crimes will lead us to the ultimate solutions. Let’s pray that the social beauty of Kashmir Valley is restored. Let’s hope for the rebuilding of Kashmir which was once regarded as heaven on earth.
The author works with Child Protection Services, Government of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Feedback at [email protected]

Muzamil Bashir