Kishtwar: For many years, Kishtwar and the Chenab Valley bore deep scars of conflict. Since the 1990s, the region witnessed numerous violent incidents. In August 1993, Muslim extremists massacred 17 Hindu bus passengers in the Sarthal area of Kishtwar district. This massacre marked the beginning of a series of communal attacks against Hindus.
In 2001, Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists brutally murdered 17 Hindu villagers in Ladder village in Doda district near Kishtwar. The violence continued, with several Hindus killed in targeted attacks in 2008 and 2013. In 2018, Anil Parihar, a prominent BJP leader in Kashmir and the hope of the Parihar community, was assassinated along with his brother Ajit by Hizbul Mujahideen. This incident was a major shock to the entire region.
It was during this difficult time that Shagun Parihar emerged. At the age of 23, she faced unimaginable grief. Her father’s death plunged her into deep sorrow, but Shagun transformed her pain into a force for change. In this election, the BJP has chosen her as the sole female candidate from Kishtwar. Her journey from studies to politics showcases her hard work and strength. Motivated by her family legacy and a desire to honor the martyrs of the region, Shagun entered politics.
Today, Kishtwar stands with a new identity – a symbol of resilience and change. Since 2019, there has been a significant transformation in the region. Violence has decreased, and Hindu temples destroyed by terrorism are being rebuilt. Sacred sites like Shri Gauri Shankar Temple and Ashtabhuja Maa Durga Temple have been meticulously restored. The Shri Gauri Shankar Temple in Kishtwar, dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, has now become a major pilgrimage site and a center for celebrations. It hosts festivals like Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Machail Yatra, and Sarthal Yatra. The recent Janmashtami procession was one of the largest in Kishtwar’s history.
A local priest at the Hanuman temple, discussing the reconstruction of the temples, said, “The temples that were once destroyed have now been rebuilt with great love and affection. These temples are now symbols of our community’s unwavering faith and strength.”
After the abrogation of Article 370, Kishtwar has stepped into a new era of development. The Batote-Kishtwar road, now a national highway, has become the lifeline of the region. Local residents have expressed gratitude to the government, saying, “We now feel safe and can practice our religion with complete freedom. Kishtwar now symbolizes a new beginning and the strength of a community that has emerged from its past.”
The Kheleni tunnel and other infrastructure projects have infused new energy into Kishtwar, improving connectivity and boosting the local economy. Raju Shyam, a resident of Kishtwar, says, “The new road has made travel to Srinagar and Jammu faster, benefiting the local market. We are grateful to the government for their commitment to these projects.”