by Abdul Rouf Naik
Enhancing women’s safety through the provision of additional shelters, counselling centres, and helplines would significantly aid survivors. Community awareness initiatives must be promoted, fostering grassroots education on gender equality and women’s rights.
A surge in horrific killings targeting women in Kashmir has exposed a harrowing rise in violence, with wives, mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and even pregnant women becoming victims of unspeakable brutality. These incidents have ignited outrage and renewed calls for stronger legal action and profound societal reform. In one chilling case, a woman in Pahalgam was strangled and burned, her bones ground to dust by her husband and mother-in-law. The unfolding tragedies reveal a grim reality of domestic violence spiralling into unimaginable savagery.
Kashmir, often celebrated for its breathtaking beauty, is now grappling with a disturbing escalation in familial violence against women. Police data indicates that domestic conflicts, jealousy, and perceived dishonour frequently fuel these crimes, cutting across both rural and urban communities. In the past year alone, several high-profile cases have drawn attention to the deeply entrenched cultural and social issues underlying this violence.
In recent months, the region has witnessed a disturbing increase in domestic violence against women, much of it driven by motives ranging from honour disputes to jealousy. Police records indicate a surge in such crimes, raising questions about law enforcement efficacy and the broader cultural pressures that exacerbate violence in a region already scarred by decades of conflict. The anguish felt across Kashmir is palpable, with vigils held in Srinagar to mourn the victims and decry the rampant violence.
On October 4, 2024, in the village of Hapatnar, Pahalgam, 30-year-old Shabnum Akhter, who was six months pregnant, was brutally murdered by her husband, Imran Khan. Suspecting her of an extramarital affair, Khan strangled her and then burned her body in a cowshed. His mother, Noor Hassan, allegedly ground Shabnum’s bones to conceal evidence. The shocking crime came to light in January 2025 when Khan confessed under police interrogation. Both he and his mother were arrested (Source: ETV Bharat, January 12, 2025).
In a gruesome incident in Udhampur, Suresh Kumar attacked his mother-in-law with an axe, fatally wounding her and severely injuring his wife and sister-in-law. The police have launched an investigation, and authorities have vowed to pursue stringent legal action against the perpetrator.
Rashid Ali, in Bahanwala village, axed his 32-year-old sister-in-law to death, accusing her of infidelity. Although not a recent case, it underscores the persistent threat of honour-related killings in the region. Ali managed to escape, and the investigation remains ongoing.
In Pampore, Altaf Ahmed Ganie was arrested for the murder of his sister-in-law. During questioning, he admitted to attempting to sexually exploit her while she was alone at home. When she resisted and raised an alarm, Ganie resorted to violence, leading to her death.
On September 4, 2024, Jeevan Singh called his wife, Salesha Devi, to the Ramban market under the pretext of buying clothes for their children. Later that day, Singh was seen with his wife near a footbridge in the Chanderkote area. During police interrogation, Singh confessed to pushing her into the Chenab River, where she drowned. The investigation continues as police gather further evidence.
On March 16, 2025, police in Kokernag received a missing person report for a woman suspected to have been abducted by 31-year-old Altaf Mir. During questioning, Mir confessed to killing the woman and hiding her body in his home in Lawaypora, Srinagar. The police recovered the body based on his statement.
In a case that sent shockwaves across the valley, police arrested 45-year-old Shabir Ahmad Wani for allegedly murdering a 30-year-old woman in Budgam. Wani reportedly dismembered her body and disposed of the parts in various locations around the district. The incident has heightened public fears and intensified demands for systemic reforms to address the alarming rise in violence against women in Kashmir.
Reports indicate a disturbing surge in cases of violence against women in Kashmir in recent years. The region has witnessed an increase in domestic abuse, exacerbated by the reluctance of many victims to come forward. Fear, social stigma, and a lack of legal awareness often silence those who suffer. Gender-based violence, including acid attacks and cyber harassment, has become a growing concern. One of the most pressing issues is the pervasive silence surrounding these crimes. Many victims hesitate to seek justice, constrained by deeply ingrained patriarchal norms and the absence of a robust support system. Even when cases are reported, survivors frequently encounter delays within the legal process, intimidation from perpetrators, and societal pressure to withdraw complaints.
Despite the existence of protective legislation, such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the implementation of these legal provisions in Kashmir remains inadequate. Survivors often face daunting challenges in accessing justice due to protracted court proceedings, a lack of women-friendly police infrastructure, and insufficient shelter facilities. Furthermore, the absence of specialised fast-track courts and forensic support systems exacerbates the difficulties faced by victims. The journey from filing a complaint to achieving justice is frequently long and disheartening, compelling many women to endure their suffering in silence.
Addressing violence against women in Kashmir necessitates a concerted effort from society, media, and policymakers. Public awareness campaigns, gender-sensitive education, and robust community support are crucial in breaking the cycle of abuse. Religious and community leaders must take a proactive stance, unequivocally condemning violence and advocating for women’s rights. The media, too, bears a significant responsibility in highlighting these issues thoughtfully and responsibly. Instead of resorting to sensationalism, journalism should prioritise investigative reporting, victim support, and advocacy for legal and policy reforms.
Tackling the escalating violence against women in Kashmir requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Strengthening law enforcement through the establishment of fast-track courts, the imposition of stricter punishments, and the development of more efficient police response mechanisms is essential. Enhancing women’s safety through the provision of additional shelters, counselling centres, and helplines would significantly aid survivors. Community awareness initiatives must be promoted, fostering grassroots education on gender equality and women’s rights. Additionally, encouraging women’s leadership within governance, policing, and the judiciary is crucial to building a safer and more equitable society.
Jammu and Kashmir is confronting a deeply unsettling rise in crimes against women, with approximately 12,000 cases reported over the past three years. Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) underscores the severity of the crisis, revealing 3,900 cases in 2021, 3,800 in 2022, and approximately 4,100 in 2023. The crimes encompass molestation, rape, domestic violence, and abduction, painting a grim portrait of violence against women permeating both public and private spheres. Despite these alarming statistics, experts warn that the actual number of incidents is likely much higher, as societal pressures and pervasive stigma often silence victims.
The surge in violence against women in Kashmir serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive legal and social reforms. While authorities have responded in certain cases, the current measures remain insufficient in the face of such a pervasive crisis. A more holistic approach, involving stringent law enforcement, community-driven awareness programmes, and accessible support mechanisms, is essential to safeguard the lives and dignity of women in the region. As voices demanding justice grow louder, the call for collective action from society and government becomes ever more urgent.
(The author is a research scholar at the School of Law, VIT Chennai campus.)
