The terrible tragedy that occurred yesterday in Dhangri Village in the Rajouri district illustrates the appalling state of affairs in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. The episode conclusively demonstrates that human rights, including those of children, are in jeopardy. Despite the established security processes and measures, the terrorists had exterminated four people and one child, in addition to leaving dozens of others traumatized and wounded. In particular, the massacre in Dhangri village highlights the plight of border residents in J&K. Residents of twin border areas have faced invisible foes for decades, whether in the form of mortar fire from across the Line of Control or cowardly terrorist attacks. Moreover, the intersectionality of other vulnerabilities has already rendered the lifestyle of the residents of that region unbearable, and because of incidents of the aforementioned nature, a calculated move by the perpetrators is likely to demoralise the local populace and create fissures between different communities that have lived in the vicinity for centuries. At this time, a self-reflective approach is required to compel the State to implement proper strategic steps to control and reverse attacks of a similar description. In addition, the state must establish conditions and situations that facilitate victim restitution and rehabilitation.
Dr. Nitan Sharma
Purani Poonch, Poonch (J&K).
