On 24 Aug 2002, in a grenade attack by terrorists at least 19 persons were injured in Anantnag

August 24, 2002, will forever be etched in the memories of the people of Sogam, Anantnag, as a day of unmitigated terror. On this fateful day, a grenade lobbed by terrorists ripped through the bustling streets, leaving a trail of devastation and chaos in its wake. At least 19 innocent lives were shattered, their bodies battered and bruised, their families forever scarred by the senseless violence.

But this was not an isolated incident. The valley of Kashmir has been a witness to countless such atrocities, perpetrated by terror outfits with a singular aim – to spread fear, to maim and to kill. The targets have been varied – Kashmiri Pandits, who have been forced to flee their homes and live in exile; tourists, who come to marvel at the beauty of the valley; and security forces personnel, who risk their lives to protect the innocent.

The year 2002 was particularly brutal, with a series of attacks that left the valley reeling. On November 24, 2002, the sacred premises of a temple were desecrated by a fidayeen suicide squad. Two bombers stormed the temple, leaving a trail of death and destruction in their wake. Fourteen devotees lost their lives, their bodies torn apart by the blast, their families left to pick up the pieces. Forty-five others were injured, their bodies broken, their spirits shattered.

The attacks had continued unabated, a relentless drumbeat of violence that had left the people of Kashmir shell-shocked and traumatized. The numbers were staggering – hundreds killed, thousands injured, countless lives forever changed. The valley, once a symbol of peace and tranquility, had been transformed into a war zone by terror outfits, where the innocent were severely traumatized.

But even amidst the chaos and destruction, there was a glimmer of hope. The people of Kashmir had refused to give up, their resilience and courage a testament to the indomitable human spirit. They had continued to live, to love, and to laugh, even in the face of unimaginable tragedies.

The darkest days had seemed to stretch on forever, but the people of Kashmir had persevered, their spirit unbroken. And it was this spirit that had ultimately triumphed, a beacon of light in the darkness that had descended upon the valley.

The memories of those terrible days still lingered, a reminder of the devastating impact of terrorism on the people of Kashmir. But even in the midst of tragedy, there had been moments of hope, of courage, and of resilience. And it was these moments that would be remembered, a testament to the strength and determination of the human spirit.