The Modi Government recently undertook a significant action. After a considerable delay of almost 34 years, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police has requested public assistance to review the homicide case of Neelkanth Ganjoo. Neelkanth Ganjoo, a High Court judge who militants murdered on November 4, 1989. Although security agencies implicated the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) in the assassination, they had not made any arrests at that point. The SIA is now seeking information from the general public to uncover the broader criminal plot behind the assassination.
In a fitting and praiseworthy rebuke to the Supreme court, the Government of India has decided to reopen cases of Kashmiri Hindu genocide.
The first to be investigated is the brutal murder of Judge Neelkanth Ganjoo by Yasin Malik's terror group, shown here in the Kashmir Files. pic.twitter.com/ufb5IVeN7L
— Anand Ranganathan (@ARanganathan72) August 7, 2023
The Kashmiri Hindu Exodus
During the late 1980s, the political landscape of Kashmir experienced a dramatic shift. It was characterized by rising separatist sentiments and militancy. Consequently, the Kashmiri Pandit community, which had coexisted with their Muslim neighbors for centuries, found themselves facing violence and intimidation. The once-diverse valley turned into a volatile battleground.
The Unfolding Of The Exodus
Amidst escalating violence, targeted attacks on the homes and lives of Kashmiri Hindus began. Fearing for their safety, many were compelled to leave their homes and seek refuge in other parts of India. This mass exodus, commonly referred to as the “Pandit Exodus”.
It displaced an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland. The community was torn apart, leaving behind their culture, heritage, and way of life.
Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo: A Tragic Symbol
Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo, a distinguished judge of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. He emerged as a poignant symbol of the tragedy unfolding in the region. Known for his unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law, Justice Ganjoo became a beacon of hope for the beleaguered Kashmiri Pandit community.
Tragically, militants brutally assassinated Justice Ganjoo near the Srinagar High Court on November 4, 1989. His murder sent shockwaves through the legal fraternity and the entire nation. The assassination of Justice Ganjoo symbolized the breakdown of law and order. It also constituted a deliberate attempt to silence voices of reason and moderation amidst turmoil.
The Legacy of Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo
Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo’s legacy stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those who opposed the forces of violence and extremism during the tumultuous period in Kashmir. His commitment to justice, integrity, and upholding the rule of law in the face of adversity continues to inspire generations of legal professionals and human rights advocates.
Honoring the Victims
As we reflect on the tragedy that befell the Kashmiri Pandit community, it’s crucial to remember not only Justice Neelkanth Ganjoo but also the countless other individuals who lost their lives, homes, and sense of security during the dark days of insurgency. Their stories deserve acknowledgment, their suffering warrants recognition, and their voices demand to be heard.