Shahid Nazeer
The DARDNAMA: From Silence to Strength : A Testament of Courage and Survival programme was organized by the “Save Youth Save Future” Foundation at the Auditorium Hall, Government Degree College Uri, Baramulla, on 13 February 2026. The event witnessed the participation of nearly 100 families affected by terrorism from Boniyar and Uri Tehsil of District Baramulla.
The programme provided a dignified and inclusive platform for victims of terrorism, many of whom have remained unheard for over three decades to share their experiences. It also included families who lost their loved ones in cross-border shelling. The primary objective was to acknowledge their suffering, restore their dignity, and bring long-pending grievances into the public and administrative domain.
The event specifically focused on families affected over the past thirty years whose cases were neither properly documented nor systematically addressed. Through structured interaction, the Foundation sought to ensure that these genuine cases receive due attention and justice.
On the occasion, the victim-centric and humanitarian initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor J&K Shri Manoj Sinha were acknowledged and appreciated, particularly measures related to rehabilitation, relief assistance, and employment support for families affected by terrorism.
The programme was led by the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Wajahat Farooq Bhat, who highlighted the prolonged suffering, sacrifices, and resilience of genuine victims of terrorism. In his address, he emphasized that for the last three decades, a large number of affected families remained voiceless and invisible despite enduring irreparable losses.
The event was graced by the presence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Baramulla, Mr. Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi, as the Chief Guest. He assured the gathering that the District Administration Baramulla stands firmly with the victim families. He patiently listened to their grievances and directed the concerned officials to resolve all genuine cases promptly and on priority. He was accompanied by other officials from the district administration.
Senior office bearers of the Foundation were also present, including Zonal President North Kashmir Mr. Ishfaq Ahmed Bhat, Provincial Coordinators Mohammad Maqbool Khan, Fayaz Ahmed Mir, Nasir Mehraj Bhat, and Muzamil Farooq Bhat, along with District Incharge Kupwara, Javaid Ahmed Beigh.
The proceedings were conducted by Mr. Zia Ul Islam, who ensured smooth coordination and facilitated a respectful and structured interaction between the victims and representatives of the Foundation.
During the interaction session, participants shared deeply personal accounts of loss, trauma, and resilience spanning the last three decades. The Foundation documented details of pending cases, including those of disabled victims, widows, orphans, and other genuine beneficiaries who have not yet received due assistance. The collected data will be pursued with the concerned authorities in a structured, transparent, and responsible manner.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Wajahat Farooq Bhat further stated that the recent victim-focused measures under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Shri. Manoj Sinha have instilled renewed confidence among affected families, particularly those neglected for decades, as several long-pending cases are now receiving attention and support.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment to sustained ground-level engagement, systematic documentation, and continued advocacy to ensure that the real victims of terrorism, especially those unheard for over thirty years are recognized, supported, and rehabilitated with dignity.
About the Author
