Kashmiri NGO Save Youth Save Future Unveils Landmark Report on 4,500 Unmarked Graves
New Delhi – The Save Youth Save Future Foundation (SYSFF), a Kashmiri non-governmental organization, has released a landmark study titled “Unraveling the Truth: A Critical Study of Unmarked and Unidentified Graves in Kashmir Valley”. The report, launched at the Press Club of India, documents nearly 4,500 unmarked and unidentified graves in the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal after six years of meticulous field research.
The findings provide rare empirical evidence aimed at addressing speculation and misinformation about these graves, distinguishing between the burials of local residents and foreign militants. For decades, the existence of such sites has sparked controversy, with families, rights groups, and international observers calling for greater transparency.
Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman of SYSFF, described the report as a step toward truth and reconciliation, “Our research is a step toward truth and transparency. These graves have long been enveloped in mystery and conjecture. Through empirical evidence and thorough analysis, we aspire to promote an informed dialogue that aids in achieving peace and societal stability in the Kashmir Valley.”
The report was presented by researcher Anika Nazir, who noted the challenges of conducting such a sensitive study in volatile regions. She stressed that the study goes beyond numbers, offering human narratives and potential closure for grieving families.
“This report transcends mere statistics: it encapsulates human narratives, provides closure for families, and tackles a significant issue with both sensitivity and precision,” Nazir said.
The event featured interventions from respected voices, including former Chief Information Commissioner of India Wajahat Habibullah, who called the study “a commendable endeavour.”
“This study represents a commendable endeavour to clarify a complex and emotionally charged issue. It highlights the significance of truth in healing wounds and fostering a peaceful future.”
Veteran journalist, Senior Editor of The Daily Milap Rishi Suri highlighted its role in restoring dignity to families.
“This study will go a long way in restoring the dignity of the families and communities that have been held hostage to a false narrative all these years and will chart a brighter path for Kashmir,” he said.
Toward Peace and Policy Reform
The release has been seen as a milestone in addressing one of the Kashmir conflict’s most sensitive subjects. By separating fact from speculation, the research provides a foundation for informed policymaking and reconciliation, resonating with audiences far beyond South Asia.
The event concluded with a dynamic discussion and Q&A session, underscoring the urgent need for dialogue and accountability in the region.
SYSFF’s work reflects a wider effort to transform contested narratives into opportunities for peace building and social healing. As Kashmir continues to grapple with conflict and memory, the Foundation’s report is positioned as an important reference point for both local communities and international policymakers.
The Save Youth Save Future Foundation is a Kashmir-based NGO focused on peace building, social empowerment, and community development through research, advocacy, and grassroots initiatives.
