Transforming grief into empowerment is a deeply sensitive journey, especially in a land where the scars of terrorism are etched into the lives of countless families. In Jammu and Kashmir, in districts like Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, and many others, the pain has lingered silently for years, unspoken yet immense. These are communities that have endured not only personal loss but also the profound loneliness of being forgotten. Their suffering rarely made headlines, and the loved ones they lost were often reduced to mere numbers in the pages of history. But quietly and with a newfound sense of care, a shift is underway, a promise that the stories of the victims will no longer be overshadowed and that the state is ready to walk with them toward healing, dignity, and justice.
The recent distribution of appointment letters to 80 next of kin of terrorism victims is not just a symbolic gesture of state benevolence. It represents a shift in the state’s approach—from treating these families as collateral damage to recognizing them as rightful stakeholders in the region’s progress. The move follows a similar effort in Baramulla, where 40 families were earlier offered government employment. While no job can ever replace a loved one lost to mindless violence, this initiative introduces a structured pathway for healing and economic security. At its core, this action is grounded in the principles of social justice, acknowledging harm, addressing historical marginalization, and empowering those affected to reclaim their agency through dignified employment. The stories shared during these events are heartbreaking. From mothers shielding their children in the face of bullets to infants lost in gruesome acts of terror, the human cost of militancy is incalculable. Yet these families continued to live, often with fear, often forgotten. Some were even threatened into silence, their pain left to echo in the vacuum of failed promises and delayed justice. It is this silence that the current initiative aims to break, not just through financial support, but by restoring a sense of voice, visibility, and purpose to those who have suffered in the shadows. Beyond the emotional and symbolic, there is a deeper structural implication to this approach. Government employment provides more than a livelihood; it offers integration into public life and a degree of institutional recognition that cannot be overstated. In societies fractured by violence, such measures carry the potential to rebuild trust between the state and its people. The establishment of a centralized web portal for terror victim families, district-level helplines, and mechanisms for monitoring support reflects a more evolved administrative response. The goal is no longer to compensate but to create an enduring ecosystem of care, accountability, and rehabilitation. Equally important is the decision to take this process to every corner of the Union Territory, including an upcoming ceremony in Srinagar. By doing so, the administration signals its intent to go beyond tokenism. It affirms that justice must be both visible and accessible, regardless of geography or political sensitivity. In a region where narratives are often contested, such consistent and inclusive outreach can foster reconciliation and encourage civic participation among affected communities. However, the task is far from over. While these appointment letters mark a new beginning for families, there remain hundreds more who await recognition and support. The real challenge lies in institutionalizing this framework so that justice does not depend on events but becomes a permanent part of governance. Policymakers must ensure that each application is processed transparently, each grievance heard, and each promise fulfilled without bureaucratic delays or political filters.
It is also vital that society at large embrace this moment as an opportunity to shift its own perspective. Terror victim families are not symbols of tragedy; they are citizens who deserve dignity, opportunity, and the right to live without fear or pity. Their inclusion in the public sector is not charity; it is a rightful measure of equity and responsibility. By turning victimhood into empowerment, the administration has not only extended a hand of support but has also illuminated a path toward a more just and humane future for Jammu and Kashmir. The echoes of these initiatives may well define the character of governance in a region that has seen too much loss and now, perhaps, finally sees the first real signs of healing.