There are moments in history when one incident shakes us to the very core. Recently, Kashmir witnessed such a tragedy in Ganderbal where an elder sister brutally murdered her younger sister with a rod. This was not just the death of a young soul but also a reminder of the slow death of humanity in our society.
Kashmir has always been known for its warmth, for its brotherhood, for the culture of sharing and caring. For centuries, our people carried the reputation of being hospitable, kind, and deeply connected with family values. But when such incidents occur, one cannot help but ask with a trembling heart: Where is that humanity now? Have we buried it somewhere without even realizing it? In the Ganderbal case, it was not a stranger who took a life. It was not an enemy from outside. It was a sister, a blood relation, the one who should have been the protector. This reality hurts even more. If the sacred bond of sisterhood can turn into such violence, then what remains of our relationships? What kind of pain, anger, or jealousy has eaten away our hearts that we no longer hesitate to kill our own?
This is not just about one family. It is about the entire society. It is about all of us as Kashmiris. We must ask ourselves how we have reached a point where crime, cruelty, and heartlessness are growing even within the four walls of our homes. The family used to be the safest place, but now we see brothers fighting brothers, husbands hurting wives, children disrespecting parents, and even sisters turning against sisters. It seems like the very foundation of humanity is being destroyed.
Some people say that unemployment, stress, and changing lifestyles are the reasons behind such incidents. Others say that anger and greed have become stronger than love and compassion. But no matter what the reason is, the truth is painful. Humanity is disappearing from our homes, from our streets, from our very souls. And once humanity dies, no law, no wealth, no education can save a society.
The Ganderbal tragedy should not just be remembered as a crime report. It should be remembered as a mirror for all of us. It should force us to look into our own hearts and ask: Are we still human? Do we still carry mercy, patience, and love within us? Or have we allowed hatred, jealousy, and selfishness to replace them?
Kashmir has already suffered so much. Violence, conflict, and bloodshed have left deep scars on our land. In such a situation, we cannot afford to lose humanity within our homes as well. If families collapse, if love vanishes, if respect dies, then no society can survive.
Conclusion
The murder in Ganderbal is more than a crime. It is a warning. It tells us that humanity is bleeding among us. We Kashmiris must wake up before it is too late. We must rebuild the culture of love and respect that once defined our land. Parents must teach their children patience and kindness. Brothers and sisters must learn to support and not destroy each other. Neighbors must care for one another. And above all, we must remember that without humanity, we are nothing but empty shells walking on earth.
The real question is not who killed whom. The real question is who killed humanity. Until we find that answer and revive humanity within our hearts, such tragedies will keep repeating. Let Ganderbal be the last. Let it be the turning point where we decide to bring humanity back to life in Kashmir.
—The writer can be reached [email protected]
