The targeted killing of Rajni Bala, a Kashmiri Pandit teacher, in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, sent shockwaves through the region and beyond in May 2022. The 36-year-old teacher was shot dead by suspected militants outside the Government High School in Gopalpora as she arrived for work. This brutal act, witnessed by students, was the fourth targeted attack in the Kashmir Valley that month, further exacerbating the sense of fear and insecurity among the Kashmiri Hindu community.
Rajni Bala's death is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by religious minorities in the region. The killing sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders across the spectrum, who described it as a despicable act of cowardice. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha vowed to deliver an "unforgettable response" to the terrorists and their sympathizers. However, such assurances did little to assuage the anxieties of the Kashmiri Pandit community, who have long been demanding protection and relocation.
The tragedy triggered protests by Kashmiri Pandits, who blocked highways and roads, demanding justice and relocation outside the Valley. "If the government won't relocate us outside the Valley within 24 hours, we will mass migrate to save our lives," said one protestor. The fear was palpable, with many feeling like "sacrificial lambs". Avtar Krishan Bhat, president of a Kashmiri Pandit colony in Baramulla, reported that around half of the 300 families in the area had fled following the killing.
Rajni Bala's story is one of resilience and dedication. Appointed as a government teacher in 2009 under the SC category, she and her husband, Raj Kumar, also a teacher, chose to remain in the Valley despite the dangers. They resisted calls from family to return to their native Samba district, fearing the loss of their government jobs. "They used to express helplessness, saying it will cost them their jobs," said Rajni's father-in-law, Ram Lal. "Rajni used to convince the family, saying they cannot leave government jobs to sit idle at home as they have to take care of their daughter."
The killing of Rajni Bala, along with other targeted attacks, has had a devastating impact on the sense of communal harmony in the region. While these incidents stoke fear and division, other instances demonstrate the resilience of community bonds. In one such instance, local Muslims in South Kashmir's Pulwama district came together to perform the last rites of Bhushan Lal Ganjoo, a 70-year-old Kashmiri Pandit teacher. Ganjoo, a retired teacher, was well-known for his contributions to the community. With few family members present, his Muslim neighbors organized his cremation, highlighting the deep connection they shared.
Rajni Bala's death is a profound loss, but her spirit of perseverance and commitment to education continues to resonate. While her physical presence has been taken away, the values she embodied – dedication to her students, commitment to her profession, and resilience in the face of adversity – serve as an inspiration. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, and her story serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, justice, and communal harmony in the Kashmir Valley.
