Sheikh Sameer
For decades, Kashmir has been synonymous with violence, conflict, and unrest. Terrorism, backed by external forces, has cast a long shadow over the lives of the people here. However, over the past few years, a significant transformation has been taking place in Kashmir. Amid the persistent threat of terrorism, there is a growing shift towards peace, development, and progress. This transformation, though promising, is not without challenges. The brutal killing of Territorial Army rifleman Hilal Ahmad Bhat on October 8, 2024, and a series of terrorist attacks that followed serve as stark reminders of the lingering presence of terror. Yet, despite these tragedies, the people of Kashmir are moving forward, united in their desire for a future defined not by violence but by progress, unity, and development.
Rising Terror Attacks : A New Threat
On October 8, 2024, while the people of Kashmir were celebrating a momentous election verdict, a grim tragedy unfolded in the tribal area of Shangus in South Kashmir. Hilal Ahmad Bhat, a rifleman in the Territorial Army, was abducted by terrorists and brutally killed. Hilal was not in combat but was trekking in a peaceful, remote part of Kashmir. His only “crime” in the eyes of the terrorists was his association with the Indian Army. His murder, a horrific act of cowardice, sent shockwaves throughout the valley, reminding everyone that terrorism still lurks in the shadows, waiting to strike when least expected.
The grief that followed Hilal’s death was palpable. His family, his village, and the broader Kashmiri community mourned the loss of a man who had dedicated his life to protecting his homeland. But the terrorists were not satisfied with one life. Just days after Hilal’s killing, a non-local laborer was murdered in Shopian, a district in South Kashmir that has often found itself in the crosshairs of terror groups. The laborer, an innocent man who had come to Kashmir in search of work, became yet another victim in a senseless cycle of violence that seeks to target anyone who represents development, unity, or a future without terror.
These attacks were not isolated incidents. They were part of a broader strategy by terror groups to disrupt the development projects and the newfound peace that is beginning to take root in the valley. Infrastructure projects, in particular, have become prime targets for terrorists, as these symbolize the irreversible change and progress that is sweeping across Kashmir.
Terror Strikes the Z-Morh Tunnel
Perhaps the most devastating of these recent attacks was the assault on workers at the Z-Morh Tunnel project on the Srinagar-Leh highway. The attack, which occurred late in the evening as laborers were returning to their camp, claimed the lives of seven individuals, including a Kashmiri doctor, Dr. Shahnawaz. The terrorists opened fire indiscriminately, targeting a group that consisted of both local and non-local workers, all of whom were simply doing their jobs—helping to build one of the most important infrastructure projects in the region.
The Z-Morh Tunnel, once completed, will provide year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, a region that is often cut off during the harsh winter months. This project is not just about transportation; it is about connecting communities, improving livelihoods, and fostering economic growth. For the terrorists, the tunnel represents a threat to their dwindling influence. As Kashmir becomes more integrated with the rest of India, their separatist ideology is increasingly losing relevance. By attacking the workers at this project, the terrorists sought to send a message: development in Kashmir will come at a price.
Yet, the only message that came through loud and clear was the desperation of these terror groups. They can no longer win hearts and minds through ideology, so they resort to violence in a last-ditch effort to halt progress. But while they may be able to take lives, they cannot stop the tide of change that is sweeping across Kashmir.
The Loss of Dr. Shahnawaz and Innocent Workers
The attack on the Z-Morh Tunnel claimed seven innocent lives, including that of Dr. Shahnawaz, a young doctor who had been back home for his daughter’s wedding. Dr. Shahnawaz’s death is particularly poignant, as it underscores the human cost of terrorism in Kashmir. His death, along with the deaths of six other workers, was a senseless act of violence that left families shattered and communities grieving.
The terrorists who carried out this attack did not discriminate. Among the dead were both Muslims and non-Muslims, locals and non-locals, all united by their desire to build a better future for Kashmir. This indiscriminate violence reveals the true nature of terrorism—it does not care about religion, region, or ethnicity. Its only goal is to spread fear and chaos, to divide communities and halt progress.
But the people of Kashmir are no longer willing to be divided. In the wake of these attacks, there has been an outpouring of solidarity and unity. Kashmiri Muslims have stood side by side with their non-Muslim neighbors, condemning the violence and rejecting the ideology of terror. From candle march to sit out protests, the message was loud and clear that we are against any kind of terror in Kashmir. They have made it clear that Kashmir is for all, and that the future of the valley lies in unity, not division.
A Diminishing Dream of “Pakistanization”
For decades, terror outfits, often backed by Pakistan, have tried to impose a separatist agenda on Kashmir, with the ultimate goal of “Pakistanizing” the valley. This dream has been fueled by a narrative of division, one that seeks to pit Kashmiri people against their Indian identity. But that dream is fading fast, as the people of Kashmir increasingly reject the ideology of separatism in favor of a future built on development, peace, and integration with India.
The attacks on Hilal Ahmad Bhat, the non-local laborer in Shopian, and the workers at the Z-Morh Tunnel were not just acts of violence; they were desperate attempts to keep the separatist narrative alive. But these attacks have had the opposite effect. Rather than rallying support for terrorism, they have exposed the weakening grip of these terror groups, whose relevance is rapidly diminishing in a Kashmir that is tired of violence and eager for progress.
As Mudasir Dar, a resident of Pulwama, aptly stated, “These atrocities are rooted in a futile strategy to disrupt the region’s trajectory towards stability and integration. Such attacks expose the weakening grip of extremist ideologies that resort to violence when their relevance diminishes in a society yearning for peace, progress, and unity.” Mudasir’s words reflect the broader sentiment in Kashmir, where the people are increasingly determined to chart a course towards a peaceful and prosperous future.
Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Change
One of the most significant drivers of change in Kashmir has been the rapid development of infrastructure. Roads, tunnels, bridges, and other projects are transforming the region, making it more connected, more accessible, and more economically viable. The Z-Morh Tunnel, for example, is not just a road through the mountains—it is a lifeline that will keep Kashmir connected to the Ladakh region year-round. This project, along with others like it, is opening up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and economic growth.
For the terrorists, these infrastructure projects represent a threat to their very existence. As Kashmir becomes more integrated with India, their separatist ideology becomes less and less relevant. They understand that with each new road or tunnel, the people of Kashmir are moving further away from the divisive narrative of the past and closer to a future of peace and prosperity.
But while the terrorists may target these projects, they cannot stop them. The people of Kashmir are invested in their future, and they are determined to see these projects through. The attacks on workers and infrastructure are attempts to instill fear, but they have only strengthened the resolve of the Kashmiri people to move forward.
Unity in the Face of Terror
One of the most remarkable aspects of Kashmir’s transformation is the role that ordinary Kashmiris are playing in shaping their future. From local workers building roads and tunnels to young professionals like Dr. Shahnawaz returning to serve their communities, the people of Kashmir are taking an active role in the development of their region. This sense of ownership is crucial, as it reflects a growing belief that Kashmir’s future lies in its integration with India and its embrace of progress.
In the wake of the recent attacks, the Kashmiri people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and unity. Rather than succumbing to fear or division, they have come together to reject the ideology of terror and to reaffirm their commitment to peace and progress. This unity is perhaps the greatest threat to the terrorists, who thrive on division and discord. Without the support of the people, their ability to sow chaos is severely diminished.
The recent spate of attacks is a stark reminder that while Kashmir is making significant strides towards development, terrorism remains a serious threat. Yet, there is a growing realization across the valley that terror cannot be allowed to dictate the future. As the people of Kashmir embrace progress, they are also embracing a sense of unity that transcends religion, region, and ethnicity. Terrorists may try to divide the valley, but the people are increasingly determined to stand together.
A Future Defined by Progress, Not Fear
The road to peace in Kashmir has never been easy, and the recent attacks are a sobering reminder of the challenges that remain. However, the progress that has been made in recent years—both in terms of development and in the rejection of terrorism—offers hope for a brighter future. The people of Kashmir are no longer willing to be pawns in a separatist agenda. They are choosing progress over violence, unity over division, and peace over terror. As Kashmir continues to move forward, the terrorists who seek to disrupt its path will find themselves increasingly irrelevant in a valley that is determined to chart its own course towards peace, progress, and prosperity.
The Kashmir Dialogues
M S Nazki
