25th April 1990; Remembering the Innocent Victims of Islamic Terrorism: The Life and Death of Ravinder Kumar Pandita in Kashmir

The year was 1990 and the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir was plagued by the scourge of Pakistan-sponsored Islamic terrorism. The valley was once known for its multicultural ethos, but now the native Hindu population was being systematically forced out of the valley, their homes and places of worship destroyed, and their lives under constant threat.

 

 

One such victim of this brutality was Ravinder Kumar Pandita, a poor man who worked in the Telecommunication Department on daily wages. He lived with his wife, mother, and three young daughters in Mattan, Anantnag. His life was one of hardship and struggle, but he remained committed to his work and his family, living his life with dignity and courage.

 

 

But to the terrorists, Ravinder Kumar was nothing but 'a Kafir and an agent of India'. He was targeted simply because of his Hindu faith and his association with the Indian state. On the fateful day of April 25th, 1990, as he was returning home from work, the terrorists lying in wait for him shot him from close range. He fell dead on the spot, and the killers danced over his lifeless body in an act of grotesque celebration. The entire scene was witnessed by hundreds of Muslims who looked on with empty indifference.

 

The assassination of Ravinder Kumar Pandita was just one of many such incidents that occurred during those dark days in the valley. Hundreds of innocent Hindus were killed, and thousands were forced to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they had ever known. It was a time of great upheaval and tragedy, a time when the very fabric of society was torn apart by the forces of extremism and violence.

 

 

But amidst all the chaos and despair, there were also stories of courage and resilience, of people who refused to be cowed down by fear and hatred. Ravinder Kumar Pandita was one such person, who lived his life with dignity and courage, even in the face of great adversity. He may have been poor and bereft, but he was a man of honor and integrity, and his memory will always be cherished by those who knew him.

 

 

Today, as we look back at those dark days in Kashmir's history, we must remember the sacrifices made by people like Ravinder Kumar Pandita, who gave their lives in defense of their faith and their country. We must also recognize the importance of preserving our multicultural heritage and promoting tolerance and harmony among all communities. Only then can we hope to build a society that is truly inclusive and just.