14 September 1989: "The Brutal Assassination of Tika Lal Taploo: A Tragic Blow from Islamist Terrorism that Displaced a Community"

On September 14, 1989, Tika Lal Taploo, a well-loved leader and lawyer from the Kashmiri Hindu community, was killed by Islamist terrorists in broad daylight in Kashmir. His murder is seen as the start of a tragic time when many Kashmiri Hindus were forced to leave their homes due to increasing violence. Taploo was a key member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and was also involved in social work, known for helping people from all backgrounds.

 

 

Just days before his death, Taploo had taken his family to safety in Delhi, sensing danger. On the day he was killed, he had shown kindness to a crying Muslim girl in his neighborhood, giving her money for school supplies. Moments later, he was confronted and shot by three masked terrorists. His death shocked the nation and led to mourning across the country.

 

 

Taploo’s assassination was a turning point for the Kashmiri Hindu community, leading to widespread fear and violence, with hundreds of thousands leaving the Valley to escape the threats. His memory is honoured every year on Martyrdom Day, as his family and others continue to seek justice for what happened to them.