Who Was Sarla Bhat?

Sarla Bhat, a 27-year-old Kashmiri Pandit nurse from Anantnag, worked at the Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) in Srinagar during one of the most turbulent periods in Kashmir’s history. In 1990, when Pakistan-backed terrorist outfits like the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) intensified their intimidation campaign, many Kashmiri Pandits fled the valley. Sarla, however, chose to remain at her post, defying the threats—a decision that tragically sealed her fate.

The Fateful Day

On April 18, 1990, Sarla was abducted from her hostel at SKIMS. Reports allege she was subjected to gang rape and brutal torture before being shot multiple times. Her body, found the next morning, bore a chilling note accusing her of being a “police informant”—a common militant tactic to justify targeted killings of Kashmiri Pandits. This act was meant to instill fear and drive the remaining community members from the Valley.

Decades of Silence

Following her murder, FIR No. 56/1990 was registered at Nigeen Police Station, but the investigation stagnated for over three decades. The Kashmiri Pandit community viewed this inaction as a deep betrayal, especially given that many such cases met the same fate. Trivia cue: A 2008 J&K Police report recorded 209 Kashmiri Pandit killings between 1989 and 2008, with 109 in 1990 alone.

The SIA Steps In

Recently, the State Investigation Agency (SIA), created to fast-track terror cases, took over the investigation. On August 12, 2025, it conducted raids at eight locations in Srinagar, including the residence of JKLF chief Yasin Malik, recovering evidence linked to the case. BJP leader Ravinder Raina claimed Malik had admitted his organisation’s role in terror activities, raising hopes of long-delayed justice for Sarla’s family.

Why This Matters

The reopening of Sarla’s case is part of a broader push to revisit unsolved crimes against Kashmiri Pandits. Previous Supreme Court petitions to investigate these killings were dismissed due to the passage of time. However, under Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s administration, there has been a renewed effort, including the reopening of the 1989 Judge Ganjoo murder case.

The Larger Picture

Out of 140 registered Kashmiri Pandit murder cases, chargesheets were filed in only 24, leaving the perpetrators unidentified in 115 cases. Pandit groups believe the actual death toll is higher. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya described Sarla’s murder as part of a targeted ethnic cleansing campaign against the Hindu minority in Kashmir.

Fun Fact for Trivia Lovers

Fun Fact: Sarla Bhat’s case remained dormant for 35 years—longer than the entire career span of an average Indian nurse!

Source: Organiser Weekly