Jammu and Kashmir's wounds need healing: Justice Kaul

Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul recommended on Monday the establishment of an impartial “Truth and reconciliation Commission” to investigate and report on human rights violations by both state and non-state actors in Jammu and Kashmir since the 1980s, asserting that the “wounds need healing.”

- ASHISH SINHA

Justice Kaul, in a separate but concurring verdict, supported the Centre’s decision to revoke Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Hailing from the region, Justice Kaul expressed empathy for the heavy toll borne by men, women, and children in the area due to the volatile situation. He emphasised the profound consequences of inter-generational trauma on an already fractured society during his travels.

“I cannot help but feel anguish for what people of the region have experienced and am constrained to write this Epilogue,” he stated in his 121-page verdict.

Justice Kaul further acknowledged numerous reports documenting human rights violations in the region over the years. He asserted that truth-telling provides victims with an opportunity to share their stories, leading to acknowledgment from those responsible and society as a whole, paving the way for reconciliation. Drawing on global examples, he highlighted the effectiveness of truth and reconciliation commissions, citing South Africa’s commission during apartheid.

He mentioned that in the past, various sections of the Kashmir valley have also called for the establishment of a truth and reconciliation commission.