Save Youth Save Future Foundation Releases Groundbreaking Research Report on Unmarked and Unidentified Graves in Kashmir Valley
Save Youth Save Future Foundation Releases Groundbreaking Research Report on Unmarked and Unidentified Graves in Kashmir Valley
New Delhi, September 4, 2025: The Save Youth Save Future Foundation, a prominent Kashmiri NGO, unveiled its landmark research report titled "Unraveling the Truth: A Critical Study of Unmarked and Unidentified Graves in Kashmir Valley" at the Press Club of Delhi. The event, held today, was attended by media representatives, eminent citizens, scholars, and intellectuals, sparking a thought-provoking discourse on a sensitive and highly contested issue.
This thoroughly researched study, spearheaded by the Foundation's scholars and volunteers, examined and documented 4,056 graves across four border districts of Kashmir—Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, and Ganderbal. Covering six years of intensive fieldwork, the research provides empirical evidence to counter misinformation and propaganda regarding these graves, clarifying their origins and the involvement of both foreign and local militants.
Wajahat Farooq Bhat, the Chairman of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation, highlighted the importance of the study, asserting, “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 event featured an in-depth presentation by Ms. Anika Nazir, a principal researcher involved in the study, who emphasized the difficulties faced during the research and its ramifications for the region’s future. “This report transcends mere statistics; it encapsulates human narratives, provides closure for families, and tackles a significant issue with both sensitivity and precision,” she stated.
The Chief Guest, Wajahat Habibullah, former Chief Information Commissioner of India, addressed the audience, praising the Foundation’s initiatives. “This study represents a commendable endeavor to clarify a complex and emotionally charged issue. It highlights the significance of truth in healing wounds and fostering a peaceful future,” he remarked.
Rishi Suri, Senior Editor at The Daily Milap, also shared his thoughts during the event. The program concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session and a vibrant discussion, underscoring the Foundation’s dedication to fostering constructive dialogue. The release of the report marks a crucial milestone in addressing the intricacies of unmarked graves in Kashmir, setting the stage for informed policymaking and societal healing.
The speakers lauded the Save Youth Save Future Foundation's commitment to peace, stability, and social empowerment through research, advocacy, and community involvement.
The event also recognized the contributions of co-authors Ms. Anika Nazir, Women’s Wing President of SYSF, and Mr. Mudasir Ahmed Dar, Zonal President South Kashmir, along with field researchers Mr. Zahid Sultan, Mr. Irshad Ahmad Bhat, and Mr. Shabir Ahmad Sheikh. The program was hosted by Prof. Basharat Shameem.
