Lal Ded

Lalded or Lalleswari has dominated the linguistic, cultural and spiritual landscape of Kashmir since the last 700 years. Born in early 14th CE, she cultivated the moral and ethical tapestry in the minds and hearts of people. Her out pouring in the form of vaakhs, are part and parcel of Kashmiri day to day life. She can be called the pioneer of Kashmiri language, whose contribution to Kashmiri cultural and literary field remains unmatched and unparalleled.

While reassessing the life and times of Lalded, it is important to go through the journey of her life, which is arduous and uplifting at the same time. Her vaakhs are based on her own self experience; at one place she says;
*yim pad lali vany tim hridi ank
Brand on your heart what Lalla spoke in verse!*

Early Life

Lalded was born to a learned Brahmin family and after receiving her early education she was married off quite early as per the practice in those times. Her married life was short-lived and painful. This tragedy turned her towards spirituality. She found her Guru in Siddha Srikantha, from whom she learned Kashmiri Shaivism, also known as Trika and took upon herself the goal of self-realisation. Under her preceptor she mastered the ‘Oneness with Supreme Consciousness’, i.e, the union of Jiva with Siva. Once she got fully realised, she embarked on her mission to educate her fellow countrymen on the essential nature of Reality which she had duly understood. Her Guru gave her the Trika upaya, that was the mantra to focus within; a mantra that enabled her to master herself. She says;
*andryum prakash nyabar tshot um gati rot um tu karmas thaph!*
I diffused outside the light that lit-up within me And in that darkness I seized Him and held Him tight!

Coming of Lalded as Yogini

Lalded followed the same path which was earlier followed by Bhatta Narayana and Utpaldeva who lived in 8 CE. Their outpourings resonate and reverberate with the experience of divine presence in their personal lives. Lalded’s verses are original and authentic which gives us an idea of her pain, vairagya, struggles and the power of mystical wonders. It seems that Lalla had an intimate desire for divine servitude which was the goal of her earthly existence. Lalded must have followed the Shakta School of Kashmir Shaivism where the female ascetics, also known as Yoginis, were easily initiated. Her vaakhs give us an insight into Sthan Kalpana, i.e., to meditate on breath and awaken the latent kundalini shakti, that she practiced. This method of realisation in Trika is known as Shaktopaya, where external objects are not worshipped but one is withdrawn inside.

Om-kar yeli laye onum
Wuhi korum panun pan
Shwot trovith ts sath rotum
Teli Lal bah wotchut prakash sthan.
When by concentration of my thought I brought the Pranava (Omkar) under my control, I made my body blazing coal, The six paths I traversed and gained the seventh, and then did I, Lalla, reach the place of illumination.
In this verse Lalla is explaining about the practice of awakening of kundalini and activating of the seven chakras which ultimately merge in Sahasrara Chakra which is the final beatitude. As per Trika praxis, yogis offer themselves to the blazing fire of consciousness to terminate the devouring gross and subtle forms of differentiation’s and seek the undifferentiated nectar of oneness with Siva. On her self-realisation, She says,
*Suh yeli dyuthum nishe panas , Soruy suy ta boh no keh*
When I beheld him, that He was near me, I saw that all was He, and that I am nothing.

Appropriation of Lalded

There is a well-orchestrated attempt to appropriate Lalded into Islam. Fictitious claims are made that Lalded was influenced by Sayyid Mir Ali Hamdani and she accepted Islam. This ill-conceived view is presented by Muslim scholars who cannot accept that someone like Lalded who, even today, dominates the cultural and spiritual landscape of Kashmir, can be a non-muslim. Imaginary references are attributed to Lalded meeting Sayyid Hamdani which is deliberately floated to hurt the Hindus. According to Mohammad Azam Dedamari’s work, “Waqiyat-e-Kashmir”, Lalded died during the rule of Sultan Shihab-ud-Din that ruled Kashmir between 1355 to 1373 CE. By then Sayid Hamdani was nowhere near Kashmir. On similar lines, Prof Jiyalal Kaul in his seminal work has mentioned the visit of Sayyid Hamdani in 1380 to 1386 CE. Therefore, in these investigative works, both the scholars have refuted the so-called meeting between Lalded and Sayyid Hamdani. However, some self-proclaimed scholars made another attempt to convince people that she was influenced by Sayyid Hussain Samanani. False and misleading constructs are being made to show that Lalded accepted Islam so as to change the whole narrative. The false agenda does not stop here, but goes to another level when the vaakhs are twisted and distorted and then attributed to Lalded with the aim of appropriating her legacy. One is piqued at the fallacious claims but we have a task to keep Lalded alive as it is our duty not only to resist this subversion but also counter this malafide design.

Lalded as Liberator

The political and social landscape of Kashmir was in doldrums during the lifetime of Lalded. She, being a mystic, could see the moral degradation of society and the compassionate soul in her forced her to convey her anguish in whatever possible way she could. Hence her vaakhs are reflection of the society of her times. Therefore, Lalded acted as a moral compass to awaken the society around her and warned the people about the temporary nature of human life. Her vaakhs at the same time are terse and prophetic. These challenged the orthodoxy and the way of life. She gave a voice to women and deprived sections and that is why her legacy is still alive in the collective conscience of the people. Her teachings represent the precepts of Trika philosophy as enunciated by predecessors of Trika theology. She conveyed the same so that people revert to their roots and revive their spiritual inheritance bequeathed to them by mystics, saints and scholars of Trika. Her whole emphasis was on Self-Recognition or what we call as Pratyabhijina in Trika.
This issue of Naad is therefore, is dedicated to this greatest jewel of Kashmir who is not only a historical figure and a mystic but a Patron Saint of Kashmir, even Nund Rishi accepts her glory when he says,

Tas padmanporci lale, Tami gale amret chehyo
Soa saen’ avatar lov lale, Tyuthuy me var ditto dayo

That lalla of Padmanpora (Pampore), She drank, her fill of divine nectar
She was indeed an avatar of ours (dearly loved), Oh! God grant me the same boon.

By-Sunil Raina Rajanaka

Holocaust Day protest at Jantar Mantar (19/1/2020)

Ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri pandits(newspaper clippings)

(From the Twitter handle of Rahul Pandita and Dr.Rajesh Bhat)

The legend of Kapeteswara

The valley of the Arpath or Harsapatha, which opens to the east of Anantnag, is also known as Kuthar. The name is in all probability connected with that of the ancient Tirtha of KAPATESVARA, situated on the Southern side of the valley close to the village of Kother. The name of the latter is undoubtedly a derivative of Kapateshwara as the analogy of Jyether<Jyeshthesvara, Triphar<Tripuresvara, etc. clearly shows.

The place of pilgrimage is the sacred spring of PAPASUNDA(Sin removing), situated a short distance above Kother near Acchabal. In it Lord Shiva is believed to have shown himself in the disguise(Kapata) of pieces of wood floating on the water. The legend is related at length in the Nilmata, and the author of the Haracaritacintamani devotes to it a separate canto which has now become the Official Mahatmaya of the Tirtha.

According to Nilmata; Once many sages stood in great penance on the sacred bank of Drsadvati in Kurukshetra to have a sight of Rudra-the lord of the Gods. Impressed by their Devotion, Shiva told them in a Dream to go soon to Kasmira where there is a spacious and immaculate abode of the Naga. He told them that there he would be visible in Disguise. Having heard him in a dream they all reached the abode of the Naga. They could not see even a little water, for the water was all covered with pieces of wood. Moving the wooden logs with their hands, the best sages obtained Rudrahood with their bodies by merely taking bath.

However, one vasistha Brahman, named Graparasar neither took the bath nor touched the wooden logs. He went on prolonged fasting and made his body decay. Rudra then spoke to him in a dream and advised him to obtain Rudrahood quickly by taking bath and touching the wooden logs. Gauraparasara persisted, ‘that you can be visible after the attainment of Rudrahood is a fact, ‘O father of the world! But my mind is not satisfied without the sight of the lord of the Gods. You have said that you would be visible in disguise in the abode( of the Naga).

The Brahman refuses to leave and continues fasting, Sankara replies: I have already provided them, my manifestation in the form of the wooden log. Merely by seeing me, they attained Rudrahood, O twice-Born! Now, due to your penance which is greater, I give you the desired boon. Ask for what you desire and Obtain Rudrahood.

The Brahman demands that Mahesvara should manifest in the form of a wooden log, to all the human beings, as it did to the sages. Mahesvara agrees and remarks, ‘O best among the twice-born, all those people who will see(the god) standing in the form of wood, (will see the gods) not always but only occasionally. With a desire to do favor to them, my gana-the Nandi in the form of wooden log shall always be visible to the human beings. And having seen (him) they would attain Rudrahood with their bodies. As I shall appear before men, so I shall obtain the name, Kapatesvara.

Alberuni too had heard of the Kapateshvara tirtha and its legend. He writes ‘ a pond called Kudaishashr(Kapatesvar) to the left of the source of the vitasta, in the middle of the month of Vaisakha, Mahadeva appears annually.’

AB-L-FAZL, Ain-I Akb, ii, p.358, mentions “in the village of Kotihar, a deep spring surrounded by stone temples. When its water decreases, an image of Mahadeva in Sandalwood appears.”

The sacred spring rises in a large circular tank which is enclosed by an ancient stone-wall and steps leading into the water. According to Kalhana’s account this enclosure was constructed, about a century before his own time, at the expense of the well-known king Bhoja of Malava.The latter is said to have taken a vow always to wash his face in the water of the Papasundana spring.

(From Rajatarangini)

Small List of Kashmiri Pandits killed by Militants

This is the small list of kps murdered by muslim terrorists.

Sr. Name of the Victim Date of Killing

1 PRABHAVATI 14.03.1989

2 DINA NATH RAINA 15.08.1989

3 TIKA LAL TIPLOO 14.09.1989

4 SMT. SHEELA TICKOO 01.11.1989

5 NEEL KANT GANJOO 01.11.1989

6 PREM NATH BHAT 27.12.1989

7 M.L.BHAN 15.01.1990

8 P.K.KOTRU 19.01.1990

9 SATISH KR. TICKOO 22.01.1990

10 TEJ KRISHEN RAZDAN 12.02.1990

11 LASSA KOUL 13.02.1990

12 ANIL BHAN 16.02.1990

13 ASHOK QAZI 23.02.1990

14 NAVEEN SAPROO 27.02.1990

15 P.N. HANDOO 01.03.1990

16 JAGAR NATH 03.03.1990

17 NIRMALA RAINA 06.03.1990

18 KASHI NATH 06.03.1990

19 RATTAN LAL 10.03.1990

20 T.K.RAZDAN 15.03.1990

21 A.K.RAINA 19.03.1990

22 B.K.GANJOO 19.03.1990

23 GULSHAN LAL RAINA 19.03.1990

24 AVTAR KRISHAN RAINA 20.03.1990

25 GULSHAN LAL LAMBA 21.03.1990

26 P.L.FOTEADAR 22.03.1990

27 SOOM NATH TICKOO 23.03.1990

28 B.L.MISIRI 23.03.1990

29 TRILOKI NATH AMBARDAR 23.03.1990

30 BANSI LAL 24.03.1990

31 A.K.BAZAZ 26.03.1990

32 PREM NATH KOUL 05.04.1990

33 PREM NATH TICKOO 05.04.1990

34 K.K.KOUL 05.04.1990

35 RADHA KRISHAN 05.04.1990

36 RADHA KRISHAN KOUL 06.04.1990

37 ASHOK KUMAR 06.04.1990

38 H.L.KHERA 06.04.1990

39 RAMEESH PEER 06.04.1990

40 VINOD KUMAR 06.05.1990

41 KARI LAL 09.04.1990

42 MAKHAN LAL WANGANOO 10.04.1990

43 SARLA BHAT 19.04.1990

44 MAKHAN LAL 21.04.1990

45 SUSHEEL KR. KOTRU 23.04.1990

46 SUSHIL KR KOTRU 23.04.1990

47 NIRANJAN NATH 24.04.1990

48 BANSI LAL SAPRU 24.04.1990

49 NARENDER NATH 24.04.1990

50 NARENDER NATH 24.04.1990

51 RAVINDER KR. PANDIT 25.04.1990

52 KASHI RAM 25.04.1990

53 BUSHAN LAL 26.04.1990

54 DR.RAJ NATH 26.04.1990

55 BRIJ NATH 26.04.1990

56 RAJ NATH RAINA 26.04.1990

57 BANSI LAL 27/28.04.1990

58 BHARAT BHUSHAN 27/28.04.1990

59 PREDHIMAN KRISHAN BHAT 28.04.1990

60 GUSHI LAL 29.04.1990

61 M.L.PANDITA 29.04.1990

62 DILEEP KUMAR 30.04.1990

63 HEERA LAL KHAR 30.04.1990

64 DAWARIKA NATH 01.05.1990

65 SARWANANAD KOUL PREMI 01.05.1990

66 VIRENDER KUMAR 01.05.1990

67 CHUNI LAL SHALLA 01.05.1990

68 MAKHAN LAL THAPLOO 02.05.1990

69 AVTAR KRISHAN 02.05.1990

70 CHUNI LAL SHALLA 02.05.1990

71 PROF.K.L.GANJU 02/03.05.1990

72 SMT. PRANA GANJOO 02/03.05.1990

73 VINOD KR. CHATTA 03.05.1990

74 VINOD KUMAR 03.05.1990

75 DAYA KRISHN 03.05.1990

76 SURIEND CHAND 04.05.1990

77 MOHAN LAL BHAT 04.05.1990

78 RAMESH KR. RAINA 05.05.1990

79 SURINDER DHAR 05.05.1990

80 VINOD KUMAR 06.05.1990

81 KUNDAN LAL GANJOO 07.05.1990

82 DOLLY 07.05.1990

83 RAMESH KR RAINA 07.05.1990

84 BIHARI LAL LABAROO 09.05.1990

85 RATTAN LAL 10.05.1990

86 BABLI RAINA 10.05.1990

87 SURINDER KUMAR 10.05.1990

88 MOTI LAL BHAT 10.05.1990

89 BABLI RAINA 10.05.1990

90 AMAR NATH BAGATI 11.05.1990

91 OMKAR NATH 11.05.1990

92 POSHKAR NATH 11.05.1990

93 MOHAN LAL 13.05.1990

94 INDERJEET 13.05.1990

95 VEER JI @VAID JI BHAT 13.05.1990

96 ASHOK KUMAR 13.05.1990

97 BUSHAN LAL 13.05.1990

98 DAYA KRISHEN DULLO 13.05.1990

99 MAM MOHAN SHARMA 15.05.1990

100 SAROOP NATH 15.05.1990

101 A.K.WAZIR 15.05.1990

102 BUSHAN LAL KOUL 16.05.1990

103 BUSHAN LAL 17.05.1990

104 SHAM LAL SHARMA 17.05.1990

105 CHUNI LAL 17.05.1990

106 SURESH KR. KISSU 17.05.1990

107 MANMOHAN BACHLOO 18.05.1990

108 JIYA LAL KAW 18.05.1990

109 MINOR 18.05.1990

110 DILEEP KUMAR 19.05.1990

111 MOTI LAL RAINA 20.05.1990

112 DILEEP JI 21.05.1990

113 PRATHIVI NATH HAKIM 21.05.1990

114 CHAMAN LAL PANDIT 22.05.1990

115 PREM NATH BHAT 23.05.1990

116 SHAMBU NATH 24.05.1990

117 BANSI LAL SHARMA 24.05.1990

118 PREM NATH BHAT 25.05.1990

119 SHANKER DASS 26.05.1990

120 CHAMAN LAL TICKOO 28.05.1990

121 SEEMA ALIAS BABLI 28.05.1990

122 RAMESH KR RAINA 28.05.1990

123 MAHARAJ KRISHEN 30.05.1990

124 JAWAHIR LAL WANCHOO 30.05.1990

125 KRISHAN LAL WAGROO 31.05.1990

126 CHAMAN LAL TICKOO 31.05.1990

127 AVTAR KRISHEN 31.05.1990

128 JAGAR NATH 31.05.1990

129 RAMESH KUMAR 01.06.1990

130 KANA YA LAL BHAT 01.06.1990

131 BADRI NATH 02.06.1990

132 DAMODHAR RAINA 02.06.1990

133 BUSHAN LAL KOUL 02.06.1990

134 DAMODAR SWAROOP RAINA 02.06.1990

135 SATISH LAL KALLA 03.06.1990

136 SHIBAN KRISHEN KULLA 03.06.1990

137 AFTAB RAM 04.06.1990

138 GOKAL NATH 04.06.1990

139 RADHA KRISHAN PATWARI 06.06.1990

140 JAWAHIR LAL BHAT 06.06.1990

141 RAMESH KR. RAINA 07.06.1990

142 RAJ KR. JAILKHANI 07.06.1990

143 SHAM LAL 07.06.1990

144 RADHA KRISHAN 07.06.1990

145 SMT.GIRJA TICKOO 11.06.1990

146 INDER KUMAR 11.06.1990

147 KANAYA LAL 11.06.1990

148 SOOM NATH 11.06.1990

149 GIRJA KUMARI TICKOO 11.06.1990

150 ASHOK KR. PANDITA 12.06.1990

151 KANYA LAL 12.06.1990

152 TRILOKI NATH 12.06.1990

153 CHUNI LAL 13.06.1990

154 DAYARAM KOUL 13.06.1990

155 RUGH NATH 14.06.1990

156 RUGH NATH 14.06.1990

157 A.K.SAFAYA 15.06.1990

158 DAYARAM KOUL 15.06.1990

159 RAMCHAND 15.06.1990

160 SAROOP NATH 16.06.1990

161 GOPI CHAND 17.06.1990

162 BADRI NATH KOUL 18.06.1990

163 JAWAHIR LAL GANJOO 18.06.1990

164 SMT. PARANA GANJOO 18.06.1990

165 SMT.DURGA KOUL 18.06.1990

TEJ KRISHAN PANDIT 19.06.1990

166 RAJINDER KR. TICKOO 20.06.1990

167 SANJAY THUSOO 21.06.1990

168 SMT GIGARI 22.06.1990

169 BAL KRISHEN TATOO 22.06.1990

170 BALJEE 22.06.1990

171 MAKHAN LAL RAINA 22.06.1990

172 SMT. ROHINI 22.06.1991

173 MAKHAN LAL RAINA 22.06.1990

174 M.L.BHAT 22/23.06.1990

175 ASHOK KUMAR 23.06.1990

176 PRATHAVI NATH TICKOO 23.06.1990

177 ASHWANI KUMAR 23.06.1990

178 ASHOK KR. KOTHA 24.06.1990

179 SOOM NATH 24.06.1990

180 CHAMAN LAL TICKOO 24.06.1990

181 SOOM NATH KOUL 24.06.1990

182 BADRI NATH WATTAL 25.06.1990

183 SATISH KR RAINA 25.06.1990

184 BRIJ LAL RAINA 26.06.1990

185 SATISH KUMAR 26.06.1990

186 GOPAL NATH 26.06.1990

187 RAMESH RAZDAN 26.06.1990

188 T.N.RAINA 26.06.1990

189 YOGESH KUMAR 26.06.1990

190 GOPI NATH RAINA 26.06.1990

191 BRIJ LAL RAINA 26.06.1990

192 RAMESH RAZDAN 26.06.1990

193 BRIJ LAL RAINA 26.06.1990

194 SMT. BABLI 28.06.1990

195 SMT.ROOPAWATI 28.06.1990

196 VIVAK LABAROO @SHABAJEE 29.06.1990

197 OMKAR NATH MATTOO 30.06.1990

198 PROF. NEEL KANT. RAINA 30.06.1990

199 RAJINDER 30.06.1990

200 OMKAR NATH MATTOO 30.06.1990

201 TRILKOI NATH 01.07.1990

202 N.G.SADHU 01.07.1990

203 DINA NATH 01.07.1990

204 RAJ NATH DHAR 01.07.1990

205 SMT. GIRJA DHAR 01.07.1990

206 SMT. TEJA DHAR 01.07.1990

207 PREDHIMAN KRISHAN 02.07.1990

208 SMT. ARANDATTI 02.07.1990

209 MAKHAN LAL 03.07.1990

210 MOHAN LAL 03.07.1990

211 SATISH KUMAR 06.07.1990

212 JAWAHIR LAL BHAT 06.07.1990

213 GOPI NATH RAINA 07.07.1990

214 DINA NATH MUJOO 07.07.1990

215 GOPI NATH RAINA 07.07.1990

216 SHIBAN KOUL 08.07.1990

217 GOURI SHANKER 09.07.1990

218 AVTAR KRISHAN 09.07.1990

219 INDER KRISHAN 10.07.1990

220 SHAMBU NATH 11.07.1990

221 INDER KUMAR 11.07.1990

222 NANAJI 11.07.1990

223 SHIBAN LAL KOUL 11.07.1990

224 JIWAN LAL 15.07.1990

225 BISHAMBAR NATH KOUL 15/16.07.1990

226 RADHA KRISHAN KOUL 15/16.07.1990

227 VAID PRAKESH KOUL 16.07.1990

228 BRIJ NATH KOUL 16.07.1990

229 ANANAD NARAYAN 17.07.1990

230 CHAND RAM KHER 17.07.1990

231 DR. SONI 18.07.1990

232 BRIJ NATH KOUL 19.07.1990

233 JANKI NATH 20.07.1990

234 NATH JI 26.07.1990

235 VAID LAL 26.07.1990

236 JANKI NATH 26.07.1990

237 GOURI SHANKER 29.07.1990

238 ADARSH JEE 29.07.1990

239 JAI KRISHAN 02.08.1990

240 RAM NATH BHAT 06.08.1990

241 R.K.HANDOO 09.08.1990

242 SAROOP NARAYAN 10.08.1990

243 MANOJ KUMAR 10.08.1990

244 PRATHAVI NATH BALI 10.08.1990

245 VASUDEV PANDIT 11.08.1990

246 D.N.CHOEDHARY 11.08.1990

247 RASHANLAL CHOWDHARY 11.08.1990

248 VASUDEV PANDITA 11.08.1990

249 AUTAR KRISHEN PANDITA 12.08.1990

250 DARSHAN KOUL 15.08.1990

251 MASHER NATH 16.08.1990

252 RATTAN LAL RAINA 18.08.1990

253 SHANKER NATH TIKU 21.08.1990

254 BANSI LAL RAINA 28.08.1990

255 OMKAR NATH KOUL 29.08.1990

256 SHADI LAL BHAT 04.09.1990

257 PRATHVI NATH 05/06.09.1990

258 MAKHAN LAL 08.09.1990

259 HIDAY NATH 09.09.1990

260 GOURI SHANKER 10.09.1990

261 SMT.TRIKAJI 10.09.1990

262 TRILOKI NATH 11.09.1990

263 RAMESH KUMAR 12.09.1990

264 AVTAR KRISHEN 12/13.09.1990

265 DAWARIKA NATH 13.09.1990

266 AVTAR KRISHAN RAINA 14.09.1990

267 RATTAN LAL PANDITA 17.09.1990

268 PAIRAY LAL RAINA 23.09.1990

269 DURGA PRASAD 05.10.1990

270 D.P.KHAZANCHI 06.10.1990

271 JAGAR NATH 07.10.1990

272 ZIND LAL 07.10.1990

273 JAGAR NATH PANDITA 07.10.1990

274 POSHKAR NATH RAZDAN 12.10.1990

275 SMT. USHA JI 14.10.1990

276 AUSHA KOUL 14.10.1990

277 DR.SHIBAN JI KHIRDI 14.10.1990

278 RAJINDER KOUL 14.10.1990

279 SATUSH KOUL 14.10.1990

280 SMT. NEETA JI 14.10.1990

281 SMT.NANCY KOUL 14.10.1990

282 RADHA KRISHEN BHAT 15.10.1990

283 MAKHAN LAL BHAT 17.10.1990

284 PREM NATH BHAT 17.10.1990

285 POSHKER NATH 18.10.1990

286 SMT. PINKI KOUL 09.11.1990

287 MOHAN LAL KOUL 19.11.1990

288 OMKAR NATN WALI 02.01.1991

289 BALDEV RAJ DUTTA 19.01.1991

290 MADAN MOHAN 11.06.1991

291 KASHI NATH KOUL 13.06.1991

292 NANAJEE 13.06.1991

293 SMT. ROHINI 22.06.1991

294 MOHAN LAL MATTOO 01.07.1991

295 SMT. VIJAY BHAT 31.07.1991

296 SURINDER KUMAR 26.08.1991

297 MOHAN LAL 08.10.1991

298 RAMESH KUMAR 09.10.1991

299 POSHKAR NATH 12.10.1991

300 MEHESHER NATH 15.10.1991

301 SHAM LAL PANDITH 15.10.1991

302 KANHAYA LAL PESHIN 18.10.1991

303 KANAYA LAL 19.10.1991

304 JANKI NATH KOUL 14.12.1991

305 ARCHANA BRAROO 30.03.1992

306 SMT. BIMALA BRAROO 30.03.1992

307 SOHAN LAL BRAROO 30.03.1992

308 RATTAN LAL HALI 20.05.1992

309 DURA NATH RAFIZ 03.06.1992

310 CHAMAN LAL KOUL 11.10.1992

311 SOOM NATH RAINA 11.10.1992

312 H.N.WANCHOO 05.12.1992

313 SMT.ASHA PANDIT 29.12.1992

314 TEJ KRISHEN 12.02.1993

315 PREM NATH BHAT 06.06.1993

316 JAGAR NATH 06.07.1993

317 NEEL KANT LALA 25.07.1993

318 KANYA LAL DUDHA 14.08.1993

319 AVTAR KRISHEN 24.10.1993

320 PRADEEP KUMAR BHAT 28.01.1994

321 SANJAY KUMAR @CHAKO 10.05.1994

322 PIYAR LAL RAINA 13.07.1994

323 TEJ KRISHEN BHAT 03.12.1994

324 SONA RAM 25.07.1995

325 CHUNI LAL BHAT 12.05.1996

326 RAJ NATH 05.06.1996

327 AVTAR KRISHAN 21/22.03.1997

328 BUSHAN LAL BHAT 21/22.03.1997

329 DEELEEP BHAT 21/22.03.1997

330 PAIRAY LAL PANDIT 21/22.03.1997

331 SANJAY BHAT 21/22.03.1997

332 TRILOKI NATH 21/22.03.1997

333 VIJAY BHAT 21/22.03.1997

334 AKSHAY KUMAR 25.01.1998

335 BADRI NATH 25.01.1998

336 JYOTI 25.01.1998

337 KASHI NATH 25.01.1998

338 MEENAKSHI 25.01.1998

339 MOTI LAL BHAT 25.01.1998

340 RAKESH KUMAR 25.01.1998

341 SANJAY KR. BHAT 25.01.1998

342 SARIKA 25.01.1998

343 SARLA KUMARI 25.01.1998

344 SEEMA KUMARI 25.01.1998

345 SMT. CHOTI 25.01.1998

346 SMT. DULARI 25.01.1998

347 SMT. NEERU JI 25.01.1998

348 SUDARSHAN 25.01.1998

349 TRILOKI NATH 25.01.1998

350 VIJAY KUMAR 25.01.1998

351 VIKAS KUMAR 25.01.1998

352 VINOD KUMAR 25.01.1998

353 ASHOK KUMAR 04.02.2000

354 UNSHOO 04.02.2000

355 VEER JI 04.02.2000

356 BRIJ NATH BHAT 04.03.2000

357 SMT LAKHSHMI DEVI 21.12.2001

358 SMT. SONI 21.12.2001

359 AMIT KHER 24.03.2003

360 AVTAR KRISHAN 24.03.2003

361 BANSI LAL 24.03.2003

362 BANSI LAL 24.03.2003

363 JIGA KUMARI 24.03.2003

364 LASA KOUL 24.03.2003

365 LOK NATH 24.03.2003

366 MOHAN LAL 24.03.2003

367 MUNA 24.03.2003

368 PRETAM KRISHEN 24.03.2003

369 PRETAM KUMARI 24.03.2003

370 PRINCY KUMARI 24.03.2003

371 RADHA KRISHEN BHAT 24.03.2003

372 RAJANI 24.03.2003

373 RAJINI KUMARI 24.03.2003

374 RADHA KRISHEN BHAT 24.03.2003

375 RAJANI 24.03.2003

376 RAJINI KUMARI 24.03.2003

377 RAKESH KUMAR 24.03.2003

378 SMT SUMAN JI 24.03.2003

379 SMT. SOOMAVATI 24.03.2003

380 SMT.ASHA 24.03.2003

381 SURAJ 24.03.2003

382 TRILOKI NATH 24.03.2003

383 TEJ KRISHAN 03.12.2004.

384 O. N. MOTTA 29.07.1990

385 USHA KUMARI KOUL 14.10.1990

386 RATINDER KOUL 14.10.1990

387 Radha Krishen Koul 24.08.1990

and MANY MORE..they we killed in their home in offices on road where ever they wete found.And world was silentThis is the small list of kps murdered by muslim terrorists.

Sr. Name of the Victim Date of Killing

1 PRABHAVATI 14.03.1989

2 DINA NATH RAINA 15.08.1989

3 TIKA LAL TIPLOO 14.09.1989

4 SMT. SHEELA TICKOO 01.11.1989

5 NEEL KANT GANJOO 01.11.1989

6 PREM NATH BHAT 27.12.1989

7 M.L.BHAN 15.01.1990

8 P.K.KOTRU 19.01.1990

9 SATISH KR. TICKOO 22.01.1990

10 TEJ KRISHEN RAZDAN 12.02.1990

11 LASSA KOUL 13.02.1990

12 ANIL BHAN 16.02.1990

13 ASHOK QAZI 23.02.1990

14 NAVEEN SAPROO 27.02.1990

15 P.N. HANDOO 01.03.1990

16 JAGAR NATH 03.03.1990

17 NIRMALA RAINA 06.03.1990

18 KASHI NATH 06.03.1990

19 RATTAN LAL 10.03.1990

20 T.K.RAZDAN 15.03.1990

21 A.K.RAINA 19.03.1990

22 B.K.GANJOO 19.03.1990

23 GULSHAN LAL RAINA 19.03.1990

24 AVTAR KRISHAN RAINA 20.03.1990

25 GULSHAN LAL LAMBA 21.03.1990

26 P.L.FOTEADAR 22.03.1990

27 SOOM NATH TICKOO 23.03.1990

28 B.L.MISIRI 23.03.1990

29 TRILOKI NATH AMBARDAR 23.03.1990

30 BANSI LAL 24.03.1990

31 A.K.BAZAZ 26.03.1990

32 PREM NATH KOUL 05.04.1990

33 PREM NATH TICKOO 05.04.1990

34 K.K.KOUL 05.04.1990

35 RADHA KRISHAN 05.04.1990

36 RADHA KRISHAN KOUL 06.04.1990

37 ASHOK KUMAR 06.04.1990

38 H.L.KHERA 06.04.1990

39 RAMEESH PEER 06.04.1990

40 VINOD KUMAR 06.05.1990

41 KARI LAL 09.04.1990

42 MAKHAN LAL WANGANOO 10.04.1990

43 SARLA BHAT 19.04.1990

44 MAKHAN LAL 21.04.1990

45 SUSHEEL KR. KOTRU 23.04.1990

46 SUSHIL KR KOTRU 23.04.1990

47 NIRANJAN NATH 24.04.1990

48 BANSI LAL SAPRU 24.04.1990

49 NARENDER NATH 24.04.1990

50 NARENDER NATH 24.04.1990

51 RAVINDER KR. PANDIT 25.04.1990

52 KASHI RAM 25.04.1990

53 BUSHAN LAL 26.04.1990

54 DR.RAJ NATH 26.04.1990

55 BRIJ NATH 26.04.1990

56 RAJ NATH RAINA 26.04.1990

57 BANSI LAL 27/28.04.1990

58 BHARAT BHUSHAN 27/28.04.1990

59 PREDHIMAN KRISHAN BHAT 28.04.1990

60 GUSHI LAL 29.04.1990

61 M.L.PANDITA 29.04.1990

62 DILEEP KUMAR 30.04.1990

63 HEERA LAL KHAR 30.04.1990

64 DAWARIKA NATH 01.05.1990

65 SARWANANAD KOUL PREMI 01.05.1990

66 VIRENDER KUMAR 01.05.1990

67 CHUNI LAL SHALLA 01.05.1990

68 MAKHAN LAL THAPLOO 02.05.1990

69 AVTAR KRISHAN 02.05.1990

70 CHUNI LAL SHALLA 02.05.1990

71 PROF.K.L.GANJU 02/03.05.1990

72 SMT. PRANA GANJOO 02/03.05.1990

73 VINOD KR. CHATTA 03.05.1990

74 VINOD KUMAR 03.05.1990

75 DAYA KRISHN 03.05.1990

76 SURIEND CHAND 04.05.1990

77 MOHAN LAL BHAT 04.05.1990

78 RAMESH KR. RAINA 05.05.1990

79 SURINDER DHAR 05.05.1990

80 VINOD KUMAR 06.05.1990

81 KUNDAN LAL GANJOO 07.05.1990

82 DOLLY 07.05.1990

83 RAMESH KR RAINA 07.05.1990

84 BIHARI LAL LABAROO 09.05.1990

85 RATTAN LAL 10.05.1990

86 BABLI RAINA 10.05.1990

87 SURINDER KUMAR 10.05.1990

88 MOTI LAL BHAT 10.05.1990

89 BABLI RAINA 10.05.1990

90 AMAR NATH BAGATI 11.05.1990

91 OMKAR NATH 11.05.1990

92 POSHKAR NATH 11.05.1990

93 MOHAN LAL 13.05.1990

94 INDERJEET 13.05.1990

95 VEER JI @VAID JI BHAT 13.05.1990

96 ASHOK KUMAR 13.05.1990

97 BUSHAN LAL 13.05.1990

98 DAYA KRISHEN DULLO 13.05.1990

99 MAM MOHAN SHARMA 15.05.1990

100 SAROOP NATH 15.05.1990

101 A.K.WAZIR 15.05.1990

102 BUSHAN LAL KOUL 16.05.1990

103 BUSHAN LAL 17.05.1990

104 SHAM LAL SHARMA 17.05.1990

105 CHUNI LAL 17.05.1990

106 SURESH KR. KISSU 17.05.1990

107 MANMOHAN BACHLOO 18.05.1990

108 JIYA LAL KAW 18.05.1990

109 MINOR 18.05.1990

110 DILEEP KUMAR 19.05.1990

111 MOTI LAL RAINA 20.05.1990

112 DILEEP JI 21.05.1990

113 PRATHIVI NATH HAKIM 21.05.1990

114 CHAMAN LAL PANDIT 22.05.1990

115 PREM NATH BHAT 23.05.1990

116 SHAMBU NATH 24.05.1990

117 BANSI LAL SHARMA 24.05.1990

118 PREM NATH BHAT 25.05.1990

119 SHANKER DASS 26.05.1990

120 CHAMAN LAL TICKOO 28.05.1990

121 SEEMA ALIAS BABLI 28.05.1990

122 RAMESH KR RAINA 28.05.1990

123 MAHARAJ KRISHEN 30.05.1990

124 JAWAHIR LAL WANCHOO 30.05.1990

125 KRISHAN LAL WAGROO 31.05.1990

126 CHAMAN LAL TICKOO 31.05.1990

127 AVTAR KRISHEN 31.05.1990

128 JAGAR NATH 31.05.1990

129 RAMESH KUMAR 01.06.1990

130 KANA YA LAL BHAT 01.06.1990

131 BADRI NATH 02.06.1990

132 DAMODHAR RAINA 02.06.1990

133 BUSHAN LAL KOUL 02.06.1990

134 DAMODAR SWAROOP RAINA 02.06.1990

135 SATISH LAL KALLA 03.06.1990

136 SHIBAN KRISHEN KULLA 03.06.1990

137 AFTAB RAM 04.06.1990

138 GOKAL NATH 04.06.1990

139 RADHA KRISHAN PATWARI 06.06.1990

140 JAWAHIR LAL BHAT 06.06.1990

141 RAMESH KR. RAINA 07.06.1990

142 RAJ KR. JAILKHANI 07.06.1990

143 SHAM LAL 07.06.1990

144 RADHA KRISHAN 07.06.1990

145 SMT.GIRJA TICKOO 11.06.1990

146 INDER KUMAR 11.06.1990

147 KANAYA LAL 11.06.1990

148 SOOM NATH 11.06.1990

149 GIRJA KUMARI TICKOO 11.06.1990

150 ASHOK KR. PANDITA 12.06.1990

151 KANYA LAL 12.06.1990

152 TRILOKI NATH 12.06.1990

153 CHUNI LAL 13.06.1990

154 DAYARAM KOUL 13.06.1990

155 RUGH NATH 14.06.1990

156 RUGH NATH 14.06.1990

157 A.K.SAFAYA 15.06.1990

158 DAYARAM KOUL 15.06.1990

159 RAMCHAND 15.06.1990

160 SAROOP NATH 16.06.1990

161 GOPI CHAND 17.06.1990

162 BADRI NATH KOUL 18.06.1990

163 JAWAHIR LAL GANJOO 18.06.1990

164 SMT. PARANA GANJOO 18.06.1990

165 SMT.DURGA KOUL 18.06.1990

TEJ KRISHAN PANDIT 19.06.1990

166 RAJINDER KR. TICKOO 20.06.1990

167 SANJAY THUSOO 21.06.1990

168 SMT GIGARI 22.06.1990

169 BAL KRISHEN TATOO 22.06.1990

170 BALJEE 22.06.1990

171 MAKHAN LAL RAINA 22.06.1990

172 SMT. ROHINI 22.06.1991

173 MAKHAN LAL RAINA 22.06.1990

174 M.L.BHAT 22/23.06.1990

175 ASHOK KUMAR 23.06.1990

176 PRATHAVI NATH TICKOO 23.06.1990

177 ASHWANI KUMAR 23.06.1990

178 ASHOK KR. KOTHA 24.06.1990

179 SOOM NATH 24.06.1990

180 CHAMAN LAL TICKOO 24.06.1990

181 SOOM NATH KOUL 24.06.1990

182 BADRI NATH WATTAL 25.06.1990

183 SATISH KR RAINA 25.06.1990

184 BRIJ LAL RAINA 26.06.1990

185 SATISH KUMAR 26.06.1990

186 GOPAL NATH 26.06.1990

187 RAMESH RAZDAN 26.06.1990

188 T.N.RAINA 26.06.1990

189 YOGESH KUMAR 26.06.1990

190 GOPI NATH RAINA 26.06.1990

191 BRIJ LAL RAINA 26.06.1990

192 RAMESH RAZDAN 26.06.1990

193 BRIJ LAL RAINA 26.06.1990

194 SMT. BABLI 28.06.1990

195 SMT.ROOPAWATI 28.06.1990

196 VIVAK LABAROO @SHABAJEE 29.06.1990

197 OMKAR NATH MATTOO 30.06.1990

198 PROF. NEEL KANT. RAINA 30.06.1990

199 RAJINDER 30.06.1990

200 OMKAR NATH MATTOO 30.06.1990

201 TRILKOI NATH 01.07.1990

202 N.G.SADHU 01.07.1990

203 DINA NATH 01.07.1990

204 RAJ NATH DHAR 01.07.1990

205 SMT. GIRJA DHAR 01.07.1990

206 SMT. TEJA DHAR 01.07.1990

207 PREDHIMAN KRISHAN 02.07.1990

208 SMT. ARANDATTI 02.07.1990

209 MAKHAN LAL 03.07.1990

210 MOHAN LAL 03.07.1990

211 SATISH KUMAR 06.07.1990

212 JAWAHIR LAL BHAT 06.07.1990

213 GOPI NATH RAINA 07.07.1990

214 DINA NATH MUJOO 07.07.1990

215 GOPI NATH RAINA 07.07.1990

216 SHIBAN KOUL 08.07.1990

217 GOURI SHANKER 09.07.1990

218 AVTAR KRISHAN 09.07.1990

219 INDER KRISHAN 10.07.1990

220 SHAMBU NATH 11.07.1990

221 INDER KUMAR 11.07.1990

222 NANAJI 11.07.1990

223 SHIBAN LAL KOUL 11.07.1990

224 JIWAN LAL 15.07.1990

225 BISHAMBAR NATH KOUL 15/16.07.1990

226 RADHA KRISHAN KOUL 15/16.07.1990

227 VAID PRAKESH KOUL 16.07.1990

228 BRIJ NATH KOUL 16.07.1990

229 ANANAD NARAYAN 17.07.1990

230 CHAND RAM KHER 17.07.1990

231 DR. SONI 18.07.1990

232 BRIJ NATH KOUL 19.07.1990

233 JANKI NATH 20.07.1990

234 NATH JI 26.07.1990

235 VAID LAL 26.07.1990

236 JANKI NATH 26.07.1990

237 GOURI SHANKER 29.07.1990

238 ADARSH JEE 29.07.1990

239 JAI KRISHAN 02.08.1990

240 RAM NATH BHAT 06.08.1990

241 R.K.HANDOO 09.08.1990

242 SAROOP NARAYAN 10.08.1990

243 MANOJ KUMAR 10.08.1990

244 PRATHAVI NATH BALI 10.08.1990

245 VASUDEV PANDIT 11.08.1990

246 D.N.CHOEDHARY 11.08.1990

247 RASHANLAL CHOWDHARY 11.08.1990

248 VASUDEV PANDITA 11.08.1990

249 AUTAR KRISHEN PANDITA 12.08.1990

250 DARSHAN KOUL 15.08.1990

251 MASHER NATH 16.08.1990

252 RATTAN LAL RAINA 18.08.1990

253 SHANKER NATH TIKU 21.08.1990

254 BANSI LAL RAINA 28.08.1990

255 OMKAR NATH KOUL 29.08.1990

256 SHADI LAL BHAT 04.09.1990

257 PRATHVI NATH 05/06.09.1990

258 MAKHAN LAL 08.09.1990

259 HIDAY NATH 09.09.1990

260 GOURI SHANKER 10.09.1990

261 SMT.TRIKAJI 10.09.1990

262 TRILOKI NATH 11.09.1990

263 RAMESH KUMAR 12.09.1990

264 AVTAR KRISHEN 12/13.09.1990

265 DAWARIKA NATH 13.09.1990

266 AVTAR KRISHAN RAINA 14.09.1990

267 RATTAN LAL PANDITA 17.09.1990

268 PAIRAY LAL RAINA 23.09.1990

269 DURGA PRASAD 05.10.1990

270 D.P.KHAZANCHI 06.10.1990

271 JAGAR NATH 07.10.1990

272 ZIND LAL 07.10.1990

273 JAGAR NATH PANDITA 07.10.1990

274 POSHKAR NATH RAZDAN 12.10.1990

275 SMT. USHA JI 14.10.1990

276 AUSHA KOUL 14.10.1990

277 DR.SHIBAN JI KHIRDI 14.10.1990

278 RAJINDER KOUL 14.10.1990

279 SATUSH KOUL 14.10.1990

280 SMT. NEETA JI 14.10.1990

281 SMT.NANCY KOUL 14.10.1990

282 RADHA KRISHEN BHAT 15.10.1990

283 MAKHAN LAL BHAT 17.10.1990

284 PREM NATH BHAT 17.10.1990

285 POSHKER NATH 18.10.1990

286 SMT. PINKI KOUL 09.11.1990

287 MOHAN LAL KOUL 19.11.1990

288 OMKAR NATN WALI 02.01.1991

289 BALDEV RAJ DUTTA 19.01.1991

290 MADAN MOHAN 11.06.1991

291 KASHI NATH KOUL 13.06.1991

292 NANAJEE 13.06.1991

293 SMT. ROHINI 22.06.1991

294 MOHAN LAL MATTOO 01.07.1991

295 SMT. VIJAY BHAT 31.07.1991

296 SURINDER KUMAR 26.08.1991

297 MOHAN LAL 08.10.1991

298 RAMESH KUMAR 09.10.1991

299 POSHKAR NATH 12.10.1991

300 MEHESHER NATH 15.10.1991

301 SHAM LAL PANDITH 15.10.1991

302 KANHAYA LAL PESHIN 18.10.1991

303 KANAYA LAL 19.10.1991

304 JANKI NATH KOUL 14.12.1991

305 ARCHANA BRAROO 30.03.1992

306 SMT. BIMALA BRAROO 30.03.1992

307 SOHAN LAL BRAROO 30.03.1992

308 RATTAN LAL HALI 20.05.1992

309 DURA NATH RAFIZ 03.06.1992

310 CHAMAN LAL KOUL 11.10.1992

311 SOOM NATH RAINA 11.10.1992

312 H.N.WANCHOO 05.12.1992

313 SMT.ASHA PANDIT 29.12.1992

314 TEJ KRISHEN 12.02.1993

315 PREM NATH BHAT 06.06.1993

316 JAGAR NATH 06.07.1993

317 NEEL KANT LALA 25.07.1993

318 KANYA LAL DUDHA 14.08.1993

319 AVTAR KRISHEN 24.10.1993

320 PRADEEP KUMAR BHAT 28.01.1994

321 SANJAY KUMAR @CHAKO 10.05.1994

322 PIYAR LAL RAINA 13.07.1994

323 TEJ KRISHEN BHAT 03.12.1994

324 SONA RAM 25.07.1995

325 CHUNI LAL BHAT 12.05.1996

326 RAJ NATH 05.06.1996

327 AVTAR KRISHAN 21/22.03.1997

328 BUSHAN LAL BHAT 21/22.03.1997

329 DEELEEP BHAT 21/22.03.1997

330 PAIRAY LAL PANDIT 21/22.03.1997

331 SANJAY BHAT 21/22.03.1997

332 TRILOKI NATH 21/22.03.1997

333 VIJAY BHAT 21/22.03.1997

334 AKSHAY KUMAR 25.01.1998

335 BADRI NATH 25.01.1998

336 JYOTI 25.01.1998

337 KASHI NATH 25.01.1998

338 MEENAKSHI 25.01.1998

339 MOTI LAL BHAT 25.01.1998

340 RAKESH KUMAR 25.01.1998

341 SANJAY KR. BHAT 25.01.1998

342 SARIKA 25.01.1998

343 SARLA KUMARI 25.01.1998

344 SEEMA KUMARI 25.01.1998

345 SMT. CHOTI 25.01.1998

346 SMT. DULARI 25.01.1998

347 SMT. NEERU JI 25.01.1998

348 SUDARSHAN 25.01.1998

349 TRILOKI NATH 25.01.1998

350 VIJAY KUMAR 25.01.1998

351 VIKAS KUMAR 25.01.1998

352 VINOD KUMAR 25.01.1998

353 ASHOK KUMAR 04.02.2000

354 UNSHOO 04.02.2000

355 VEER JI 04.02.2000

356 BRIJ NATH BHAT 04.03.2000

357 SMT LAKHSHMI DEVI 21.12.2001

358 SMT. SONI 21.12.2001

359 AMIT KHER 24.03.2003

360 AVTAR KRISHAN 24.03.2003

361 BANSI LAL 24.03.2003

362 BANSI LAL 24.03.2003

363 JIGA KUMARI 24.03.2003

364 LASA KOUL 24.03.2003

365 LOK NATH 24.03.2003

366 MOHAN LAL 24.03.2003

367 MUNA 24.03.2003

368 PRETAM KRISHEN 24.03.2003

369 PRETAM KUMARI 24.03.2003

370 PRINCY KUMARI 24.03.2003

371 RADHA KRISHEN BHAT 24.03.2003

372 RAJANI 24.03.2003

373 RAJINI KUMARI 24.03.2003

374 RADHA KRISHEN BHAT 24.03.2003

375 RAJANI 24.03.2003

376 RAJINI KUMARI 24.03.2003

377 RAKESH KUMAR 24.03.2003

378 SMT SUMAN JI 24.03.2003

379 SMT. SOOMAVATI 24.03.2003

380 SMT.ASHA 24.03.2003

381 SURAJ 24.03.2003

382 TRILOKI NATH 24.03.2003

383 TEJ KRISHAN 03.12.2004.

384 O. N. MOTTA 29.07.1990

385 USHA KUMARI KOUL 14.10.1990

386 RATINDER KOUL 14.10.1990

387 Radha Krishen Koul 24.08.1990

and MANY MORE..they we killed in their home in offices on road where ever they were found.And world was silent.

( This is a post I found on whatsup)

Scenes from the 3 Decades of Kashmiri Pandits

(3 Decades of Kps)

Year1989-90

Dulari-The Seventy year old Matriarch , was standing in the middle of her Garden. Not a leaf of Grass was left in her frost-bitten-lawn. It was the peak of winter. She gave a cursory look around and strolled slowly , occasionally touching some of the dried up plants . She stopped near the Rose shrub and began to inspect the marigold plant, she has sown last summer just adjacent to it.

‘The marigold plant has dried up completely , so has this The Rose Bush’, She thought gloomily.

‘These winters eat up everything. I really wish the summers come soon.’ She looked upwards to the Post –Noon- Sun . Even though it was a bright shimmering sunny day, Nevertheless, The Sun too seemed to shiver.

After inspecting her Garden, she goes inside. It is around 1 Pm and time for Lunch. She washes her hands and sits in her Extended Kitchen- That basically serves as a Dining area for her family. She calls her daughter-in-law Phoolaji.

‘Hayayi Phoolaji, Battae sharei’ (Phoolaji serve the lunch)

It was the end of the year 1989.The Terrorists had become Blatantly Brazen after the kidnapping of Rubaiyya Syed. The Muslim neighbors too in hushed tones could be heard talking about, soon-to-get ‘Azadi’ . The Blanket curfew in the valley had forced all the family members of Dulari to stay indoors. Her family as well as Kashmiri Pandits neighbors too talked about the prevailing political circumstances that was filled with uncertainty. Yet, No one had imagined that a majority of Kashmiri Pandits will have to flee Kashmir within a month!

The Macabre dance of Death unleashed by the AK-47 laden Terrorists on KP’s had started and were targeting minority Hindus with impunity,

And then came the night of 19 Jan 1990-That changed forever the history of Kashmiri Pandits! The Kp’s were fleeing Kashmir in hordes. Dulari was no exception. She too left Kashmir as did her neighbors and relatives.
Future looks uncertain in Kashmir.

Year-2000-01

Dulari is now surrounded by new neighbors of Pan-India ethnicity in Faridabad . All these years, she has managed to speak her own version of Hindi. She uses a lot of Gesticulations in her conversations with neighbours as Kashmiri words pops up now and then unintentionally from her Mouth.

Dulari along with her Family had shifted to Faridabad in late 1995. Her elder Son has bought a House in Faridabad. It is built on a 100 sq yard plot. The front as well as the back yard is cemented . She is Old but still hard working and has lost no love for Gardening. She has secured and fenced a small patch of land may be 100 sq feet bordering the front side of her house. She religiously looks after that small garden. She has also sown with love the famous ‘Haak’ (collard greens) of Kashmiris in that lawn.

It is the month of March. She is inspecting her kitchen garden. Not much is there. Just one gaze is enough to tell about the health of her green friends. She opens the make-Shift gate of her garden. She squats near the marigold Plant and touches the flower.
‘Dear, If we would have been in Kashmir, I would have surrounded you with many more flowers and attended you better’. She was silently conveying her feelings to the flower.

‘Soon the marigold will be gone and so will be Haakh’ . These Harsh summers don’t spare anything’. She whispered .

‘Alas ! Kashmir was so beautiful!’ she sighed.

She does not have the same vigor, She once had in Kashmir. She feels the heat of the March Sun and slowly walks inside .

‘Hayyeyi Phoolaji Batta shaer’ (serve the lunch) – She orders her.

It has been 10 years now since KPs were forced into exile. Future in Kashmir still holds uncertain for them. She and her family are amongst the Lucky ones, who didn’t had to live in the dirty, unhygienic tattered tents of the refugee Camps-where still many of the community members were languishing .

Year-2018-19

Phoolaji-Her Daughter-in-law has become the new Matriarch since Dularis Death 12 years back.They now live in an apartment in Mumbai. After the death of her Mother-in-law; Phoolaji too has developed some love for Gardening.

In the balcony of her Flat, she has sown some saplings of Marigold as well as ‘Tulasi’ (Basil). Whenever, she waters or de-weeds the plants, The face of Dulari flashes in front of her mind. By planting and looking after the potted-Plants, she gets a strange sense of satisfaction. It is as if the soul of Dulari is watching her and is bestowing her with blessings.

She is standing in her Balcony. The Black clouds are moving fast as if they are on a mission! Needless to say, The infamous monsoons of the Mumbai have already arrived . Now and then the sky is roaring and it seems , it is going to pour too. To save the plants from being flooded by the downpours; Phoolaji shifts the pots to that area of the balcony, where they will be safe and Dry.

As soon as she had shifted the pots to a safer Dry place, The rains start.

‘Madamji, please come inside. The lunch is ready.’ Her maid shouts from the Kitchen.

She walks slowly towards the Dining area of her Flat and sits on the dining chair. She is served food by her maid. Today her maid has made ‘Haakh’. She is about to eat, when the familiar thought crosses her mind, yet once again.

‘The taste of Haakh was divine at Kashmir ! It would have been much more fun and happiness, had we been living at Kashmir !

But, Alas! Mahadev(God) had different plans. The medley of thoughts and emotions was disturbing somewhere in her Heart and Mind.

Soon after, the aroma of the food diverted her mind and brought her to her present at Mumbai. She takes the morsel of rice mixed with Haakh .

She can not forget that It has been 29 years and The situation for KPs in the valley has not changed a bit yet. To forget about the past, she switches on the TV , browses the channels to watch her favourite serial. While browsing, her eye catches the fleeting headline in one of the News channels. She stops at that Channel. The focus of the news is Kashmir again. The newsreader announces about the clashes between the protestors and the security forces. She again changes the channel and finally stops at a “Bhakti” (Devotional) channel.

Phoolaji is carrying forward the legacy,Customs and rituals left behind by her Late Mother-in-law.She has immortalised ‘Dulari’ by keeping her Photograph at the same pedestal as that of Devis and Devtaas in their small in-house temple.In the mornings and sometimes in the evenings too , incense sticks or Dhoop is gyrated reverentially around her photo too; along with the idols and photos of all major Devis and Devtaas to invoke their blessings!

The Show of life Continues …..

QABALI ATTACK EYEWITNESS VERSION….

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
QABALI ATTACK
EYEWITNESS VERSION….

An Eyewitness Account of the 1947 raid by Tribals from Pakistan-by T.N.Bhan

My name is Triloki Nath Bhan and I was 18 years old young boy living in Sehyar, test Srinagar when Pakistani Army along with Kabailies from North West Frontier Province, launched a series of surprise attacks across Jammu and Kashmir on October 24, 1947. As is well known the Pakistani invaders quickly overwhelmed the the forces of Maharaja Hari Singh. Most of the Muslim units of J& K Army comprising of Mirpuri deserted and joined the invaders after killing their Hindu and Sikh Officers. Muzzafarabd fell within a few hours of the attack and the invaders proceeded towards Baramula, Sopore and Srinagar. At the Uri bridge Brigadier Rajinder Singh lost his life putting up a valiant fight .He held the invaders for two days which gave time to the Maharajah to flee the valley. and the Indian Army to intervene. 

The Pakistani invaders entered Baramula on October 26, 1947 and proceeded to indulge in Rape, murder, loot and arson, especially targeting Sikhs and Kashmiri Pandit community. By the morning of October 27th some raiders had reached the outskirts of Srinagar. Hari Singh’s exit had totally broken the morale of the government and security establishment. Police stations were empty. anything could happen at any time. Sheikh Abdullah and his National Conference organized a voluntary force of young men known as Salamati Fauj in the city with specific direction to maintain communal harmony at all costs. This worked, Halka Committees became the police station. I remember I also joined this force to patrol the streets to ensure nobody disturbed the communal harmony. Most of the Hindu leadership had left the valley for Jammu. As the Kashmiri Pandits trickled in from the countryside we began to hear the tales of atrocities, plunder, rape and murder of innocent Hindus and Sikhs by the Pakistani invaders.

Although Kashmir’s Pandits were leaderless as even our RSS leaders such as Bal Raj Madhok had left the city we the grassroot RSS Swyamsewaks began to organise ourselves to defend and protect Pandit honor. I belonged to Putli Dharamshalla Shakha. We decided to go out of Srinagar to visit other cities and villages and see for ourselves the condition of our Kashmiri Pandits brothers and sisters so that help could be arranged for the needy. I was accompanied by other Swyamsewaks such as Maharaj Krishan Mirza, Amar Nath Ganju, Manohar Nath Bhagati, Lakshmi Narain Kaul, Bhaska nath ganjoo, Durga Nath Dhar, Trilokinath Dhar, Prithvinath Dhar, Naranjan Kaul, Brijnath Moza and others. These volunteers hailed from Sehyar, Rehbaba Sahib and Rishipeer. We began our journey on 30th October 1947. Starting on foot in the early morning we first touched Shalteing about four miles down the road from Chhatabal Custom Post. Here we went inside the enclosed Chinar Grove and found two dead bodies of the Kabali-invaders who had been strafed by the Indian Air Force aircraft. Onward we reached Pooshbugg a village near Pattan where kabalies had executed 14 Kashmiri Pandits as they were performing fire veneration “Hawan”. The fire was still smoldering. Luckily all fourteen had already been cremated by the Pandits of the neighboring villages who had escaped the onslaught of these savages. All Pandit houses were looted. We tried to enter the town of Pattan but we were not allowed to enter. We could only guess the gruesome condition of Pandits in the town.

After Pattan we continued our journey to Sangarhama-detour to Sopore.There is a thick willow grove on the right side of the main road. A Muslim boy told us that we should go and see what had happened there. Visiting the Grove was most horrendous and traumatizing experience as we saw pieces of Indian currency notes and human skeletons scattered in the area. The boy told us that Sikh adults had killed their women and children here to ensure they did not fall in the hands of these heartless and treacherous Paksitani’s. Dazed we turned and left toward Sopore. We had walked about 200 yards we found a Kacha road to the left leading us to a Seer (Hindu Shrine). There we found a Mullah was teaching Quran to two Pandit women who were dressed in a Burka. As the Mullah saw us he took to his heels as we began chanting “Har Har Mahadev”, the women retracted and threw their Burkas. The shrine in Seer was reduced to heap of rubble and two Muslim men were pulling out the nails from the burnt wooden planks. The worse was still to come. We saw couple of KP’s men and women coming towards us all in tears, and crying. They told us that the local Muslims had invited two Pakistani Kabailies from Baramula and all our brethren had been asked to assemble in the ground near a mosque where a calf was slaughtered in their presence. Pieces of raw beef were forced down their throat and abuses were heaped. Their houses were looted-clean sweep, even the doors and window frames were pulled out. We spent the night with them, the bedding was the hay of rice. Of course we recited the bhajans the whole night. On the dawn of next day we began our journey towards Sopore. In this town not much damage was done. The leader of Kashmir pandits was Jat Kak Zutshi father of Jeevan Zutshi of California. Mr. Zutshi had worked with Muslim elders in the city to protect the KP’s. Unfortunately Jat Kak had become a target of the Kabaleys and he hid under the hay in the house of a Muslim friend on the condition that he convert to Islam. Jat Kak Zutshi’s family was my neighbor in Jamalatoo in Srinagar. 

The next day we proceeded to Bomai Village which is a couple of miles from Sopore on way to Handwara. Here the first assassination of a Batta had taken place a few days before the Pakistani invasion. The Martyre was Pandit Sarwanand Kaul an honest and diligent Intelligence Officer in the State Government. He was kidnapped and butchered a couple of kilometers from his house. We comforted the family. Buomay Battas were safe. No damage , except they were terribly shaken and fearful. We had lunch with them and assured them that the whole of Indian nation was with them.

On Reaching Handwara we witnessed six kucha earthen mounds burying six Kashmir Pandits belonging to one family. It was a mass suicide committed the family. Then we witnessed the same thing as we had seen earlier in Seer. Houses had been looted, KP residents were helter skelter seeking shelter to save their lives. We stayed in Handwara for the night sleeping on the bran (kuchh). In the morning we started to dig the bodies but the Commander of the area prevented us and said that Army would do it. It was a very tense night for us as firing from both sides was still going on. Taking the kuchha route to Baramula via Langet we continued our journey.

At Langet we found two dead bodies who were cremated by us. Langet had special significance for me as it is close to Trihagram where my maternal uncle Mr. Zindalal Raina of Rainawari residing near Hari Singh High School was assassinated in 1931 when Sheikh Abdullah as a Muslim Communalist had aroused the Hindu-Muslim strife in the valley.

We reached Baramula in the evening and came across a young Kashmiri Pandit who was a lecturer of English in the Govt. College there. He offered us to stay overnight which we did. His house was also looted as mentioned earlier. He told us how his beautiful wife and other young KP ladies had been locked in a house and gang raped by the Muslim invaders. Next day he showed us the house from which these women had jumped to death from the fourth story. During the talk he told us that one respectable couple in the town was dragged through the streets. We saw every KP house was looted-clean sweep even the doors and windows were removed. Streets were deserted Batta houses were like skeletons and the inhabitants had either gone into hiding or were killed. Many had committed suicide by jumping into the Jhelum river. Crossing the bridge to the other side where market and Govt. offices were housed, we were shown a spot in the middle of the bridge from where young Hindu-Pandit, Sikh and Khatri ladies plunged to their death by drowning into the river. Those who did not have a chance to kill themselves were herded into Tehsil compound and gang raped. All Hindu shops were looted in totality. We finally went to the Christian School and found that even the Nuns were not spared. Many had been raped before being murdered.

Out of respect we went to the spot where Maqbool Sherwani was hanged for misdirecting the invaders. At that point the Army Commander advised us to retrun to Srinagar as Baramula was still not safe for Hindus and Sikhs. It was clear that 30,000 Hindus men and women ( Pandit, Sikh and Kahtri) had either lost their lives or were taken as sex slaves by the Pakistani invaders.

Returning to Srinagar was a traumatic experience as if living hell was waiting for us. All of us were arrested and imprisoned in the Halqa Committee, denied food and beaten mercilessly for several days. By the skin of our teeth we managed our freedom with the condition that we would be under surveillance and roll called twice a day. It was clear to us that one way or the other these National Conference Halqa Committee Goons were going to get rid of us. We tried our best to find a way to get out of Srinagar. My quest to find someone who could get us out led me to Mr. Kashi Nath Fotedar who was an important Officer in the Indian Army in Badami Bagh. He was of immense help to many older Kashmir’s Pandits and children who he sent out in Army trucks. Another great Batta was Flt. Luit J. N. Dhar from Vicharnagh who was the only Kashmiri speaking Pilot at that time whom Nehru had deputed him to Srinagar. He too rendered great service to the community by flying out beleaguered KP’s in Airforce planes. I need to introduce Pandit Kashi Nath Fotedar first as he is the industrious father of Hira Fotedar and is the father of my wife Dulari Bhan as well. Mr. J. N. Dhar is the maternal uncle of Hira and paternal uncle of Vijay Dhar of Union City California.

My escape from Srinagar was possible only on April 6, 1948. I along with Manohar Bagati, Lakshmi Narain Kaul and Amar Nath Ganjoo walked all the way to Ptahankot on foot for 22 days. I finally settled at Saharanpur UP where I lived for 54 years.

Now I would like to pay my homage to all the KP Martyrs in 1931, 1947 and 1990. My compliments to those who by didn’t of their courage, resilience and focus rebuilt their lives from scratch without Government aid under very difficult circumstances. I wish to thank many old Kashmiri Pandits who offered all four of us help in Kanpur and helped us settle down. My companions Bagati, Kaul and Ganjoo sahib eventually returned to Srinagar where Mr. Amar Nath Ganjoo became an important RSS functionary. My thanks to Mr. B. K. Kaul ICS Iron and Steel Controller, Mr. H. N. Sapru Dy Director of Industries UP and S.n. Shivpuri , GM Cement Corporation. I am sure these great men have left us but I did want to recognise their help to many KP refugees in 1947.

Dear friends I am a proud Swayamsewak, and will be a Swyamsewak till my death.

Reagrds

Triloki Nath Bhan

Memphis Tennesee USA

Kedarnath pics taken in oct-18

<a

Pitra Paksh -Remembering Ancestors

Every year a fortnight in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin is observed in the fond memory of our ancestors. This period is referred as Shraddha or Pitra Paksha. The Shraddha – is derived from Shraddha which means faith. Hence the faith in one’s ancestors’ makes the mortals observe some customary rituals year on year with reverence and faith in their memories when the ancestors are no more alive.

The story goes that The King Karna the famous warrior of Mahabharata was granted heaven after the war. Karna was famous for his charity throughout his life and earned a sobriquet of Dhan Veer – The one who gives away everything in charity. So much so that during the war of Kurushetra he gave away his protective shield when Lord Indra disguised as seeker asked for the same. However, in heaven Karna was offered precious Gems, Gold and other items instead of food and water. Puzzled by this treatment Karna asked the gods about this. On this Lord Indra told him that he had been giving only gold and gems as a charity but had never given food and water to the poor or deserving people hence he was given same treatment in heaven. Karna requested gods to give him a chance to correct his anomalies and the same was granted to him and he was asked to go back to earth for some days to feed poor so as to get rid of the problem. Hence, this period of the year is observed in giving food, water and clothing to poor and also performing rituals associated with it.

The ritual of shradha is done as it is believed that ceremony shall enable forefathers to ascend higher plane of existence. Besides relieving the ancestors from traps of unfulfilled wishes. We owe our existence from our ancestors and forefathers. Therefore, this is the time when we can remember them and repay our debt.

Shradha is the only way when ancestors receive our oblations and hence get pleased. This results in peace to them and happiness in their families.
The detailed rituals of Shradha are performed by priests who follow the manual as per the scriptures and litany of ceremonies. The elder of the family keeps the fast in memory of deceased besides offering each Pind in the name of the ancestors who are no more alive.

The message of Pitru paksh as envisaged by our Rishis are :- ​

Remembering – Pitru Paksh also enables us to think that this life is transitory and one day we too would pass. Therefore, it is the time to remember our forefathers and simultaneously be good to elders in our family.
Sharing – It also cultivates a habit of giving away things like food and clothes in charity among poor destitute thus inculcating the spirit of sharing.
Good Deeds – The Shradha also makes us remember the good deeds of our ancestor’s which act as a catalyst in us to follow the footsteps and carry on the legacy of goodness shown by them.
Family Lineage – This fortnight also makes us remember all the ancestors who were in the family thus, passing their existential journey among our progeny so that they can remember the family tree and linages.
Focus on Spiritual – The rituals wean us away from the grind of day to day material world and forces us to think on the matters more spiritual than mundane in nature thus, forcing us to think about our existence and role in families, societies and nation of which we are an integral part and parcel.

According to Neelmat Puran the important places for performing Shradha are at Lake Gangabal in Kangan besides at places like Shadipur which is the confluence of river Vitista (Jhelum) and Sindhu, Martand (Mattan) in Anantnag, Kapalmochan in Shopian and shores of Vitista. Performing sharda at these given places elevates the soul journey of dead to higher planes besides granting peace and spiritual merits to the families. In Jammu the places of performing Shradha are Uttarbani in Kathua and Ghats of Chandrabhaga at Akhnoor.

The other important places across India where such detailed rituals are performed since time immemorial are at Haridwar in Uttrakhand, Varanasi & Allahabad in U.P., Gaya in Bihar, Pushker in Rajasthan, Nashik in Maharashtra, Gokarna in Karnataka, Rameshwaram in T.N.

Therefore, lets resolve in this pitra paksha that we shall share our happiness, food, clothing with those who are neglected, poor, destitute and orphans so that we embrace them a part of our society and also take a pledge that we make the life our elders in family more comfortable which they deserve and which we owe to them as their progeny.

By-Sunil Raina Rajanaka

Navreh-the new year of Kashmiri Hindus

As winter’s frost gives way to amiable spring,  J&K wakes up to greetings of Navreh Mubarak,  writes SUNIL RAINA RAJANAKA If you happen to be in Kashmir on the first day of the Chaitra month,  you will see Kashmiri Pandits greeting everyone with a warm,  hearty ‘Navreh Mubarak!’The day heralds the New Year as well as the spring season, with the frost giving way to pleasant weather. This year, Navreh will be celebrated on March 18.   In Bringesh Samhita — a compendium of the Mahatamayas of all prominent tirthas of Kashmir — there is a chapter on Navreh which mentions a dialogue between Shiva and Parvati, where the goddess is keen to understand the importance of time, cycle of evolution and dissolution.

Shiva tells her that on Navreh, Brahma initiated Creation with the first rays of the sun falling on the world.   To celebrate Navreh — beginning of kaal, time and of the world — Kashmiri Hindus worship Shiva, Parvati and their son Ganesha for merit and well-being,  wear new clothes, and take part and in cultural programmes.   The day begins with looking at Thal Barun, a thaal, plate filled with auspicious items for prosperity. The large plate contains items like paddy, walnuts, sweet roti, cooked rice,  curd, pen, book, coins, a piece of gold ornament, salt, seasonal flowers, a medicinal herb called vai and a mirror.

Also placed on the plate are the new almanac and a photo of Kreel-Pach, the family deity.    The thaal is prepared overnight,  covered with a piece of cloth and kept in the prayer room. The next day, well before daybreak, the oldest woman of the house, usually the grandmother or mother,  goes around the house waking up family members one by one, asking them to open their eyes and first look at the plate, before beginning their daily chores.   Known as Buth Vuchun, the ritual of looking at the plate is said to bring good luck,  good health, prosperity and wisdom.

Each item on the plate has its own significance. While paddy symbolises wealth and expansion, cooked rice stands for progression in life and physical and mental growth.   Curd stands for completeness, constancy and cohesiveness. The sweet roti represents engagement and amalgamation into one’s socio-cultural surroundings.   The walnuts indicate the human and universal mind; the conjoined kernels represent the four purusharthas, goals of existence — dharma,  discharge of duty;  artha,  acquirement of wealth; kama, gratification of desire, and moksha, liberation.

The coin stands for material strength and the gold ornament is the symbol of purity. While the medicinal herb indicates good health,  flowers represent optimism, fragrance and sympathy in life. The pen is for wisdom and self-illumination and salt for positive energy. The almanac represents the influence of time in our life and the need to respect time and lead a disciplined life. Kreel Pach,  the family goddess stands for trust in Her grace.   The mirror, due to its attribute of reflection, stands for multiplication of auspiciousness.

Later in the day, rice from the plate is used to prepare the traditional yellow rice taher. Sumptuous dishes are prepared for visiting family and friends.    People also visit Hari Parbat in Srinagar to pay obeisance to Goddess Chakreshwari by reciting hymns and praying for a prosperous year ahead. It is believed that on this day,  the Sapt Rishis congregate at this place to offer prayers to the Universal Goddess, thus starting the Saptrishi era. After the ritual visit to the temple, people usually head off to enjoy the almond blossoms in the gardens at the foothill.

The outing is incomplete without savouring the traditional nadir monje pakoras and kahwa,  and wishing everyone ‘Navreh Mubarak’!

 

By Sunil Raina