Ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of candidates. Among the names on this list, one stands out and has quickly become the focus of widespread attention—Shagun Parihar, the party’s candidate from Kishtwar.
Shagun Parihar is the only woman to feature on the BJP’s initial list, and her selection is particularly important due to the tragic history that shadows her family. Both her father and uncle were brutally murdered by terrorists, an event that has left an indelible mark on her life and her political journey.
Her uncle, Anil Parihar, was a well-known BJP leader in Jammu and Kashmir, holding the influential position of the party’s state secretary. Anil was known for his unwavering dedication to his political career and his efforts to uplift the region. However, his rising influence caught the attention of Islamic extremists, making him a target. In a tragic turn of events, Anil Parihar and his brother, Shagun’s father, were assassinated in 2018.
Reflecting on the events that shaped her resolve, Shagun Parihar recalled, “That dark day is still etched in my memory, the day my home was devastated. My family has given every drop of their blood for Kishtwar; this election is for them.” Her voice carries the weight of personal loss and the determination to continue her family’s legacy.
Expressing her gratitude, Shagun thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP President JP Nadda, and all those who supported her during these challenging years.
“I am confident that the people of Kishtwar will warmly accept the daughter of Kishtwar,” Shagun continued, her emotions palpable. “This election is not just for my family but for all those who have lost their loved ones. I can’t say much more. I am very emotional. After the ticket was announced, I was deeply reminded of my father.”
Assassination of Anil and Ajit Parihar
The tragic incident that claimed the lives of Anil Parihar and his brother Ajit Parihar occurred in November 2018. The brothers were returning home from their shop in Kishtwar when they were ambushed and shot at close range. The attack was later confirmed to have been carried out by terrorists affiliated with the Hizbul Mujahideen, a designated terrorist organisation. The assailants had been waiting for the brothers, planning the attack to target them specifically.
The aftermath of the assassination plunged Kishtwar into turmoil, with the situation becoming so volatile that authorities had to impose a curfew and shut down the internet to prevent further unrest. The investigation into the murders led to the arrest of three terrorists, providing some measure of justice, though the scars left on the community and the Parihar family remain deep.
As Shagun Parihar steps into the political arena, her candidature is not just a continuation of her family’s legacy, but also a symbol of resilience in the face of terror. The upcoming elections in Kishtwar will undoubtedly be closely watched, not only for their political implications but also for the emotional significance they carry for Shagun and those who have endured similar losses.
