(Kashmir Rechords Exclusive)

In the annals of the Kashmiri Pandit community, names like Tika Lal Taploo, Neelkanth Ganjoo and Prem Nath Bhat are often mentioned with reverence, each symbolizing the community’s enduring struggle and sacrifice. However, the story of Ruchir Kumar Koul from the picturesque town of Bhaderwah in the Jammu division remains largely unknown, despite his profound sacrifice thirty years ago on June 7, 1994. His legacy, cherished locally, deserves broader recognition for his ultimate act of courage in the face of terrorism.

Early Life and Nationalistic Roots

Born on July 4, 1958, in the scenic town of Bhaderwah, Jammu and Kashmir, Ruchir Kumar Koul was instilled with a strong sense of nationalism from a young age. His parents, displaced from Kashmir during the 1947 tribal raid, found refuge in Bhaderwah. There, they rebuilt their lives, with Ruchir’s mother, Smt. Sukhmali Koul, becoming the first lady teacher in the area and establishing a school for girls. This earned them the moniker, “The Koul Family of Bhaderwah.” Little did they know that while fleeing from Kashmir to save their lives, they would eventually lose a son in Bhaderwah, the very place they had chosen as their new home after the 1947 displacement.

Ruchir’s upbringing was steeped in the values of community service and resilience, inspired by his family’s history and their association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). In 1989, he married a local girl from Bhaderwah, starting a family that would soon face unimaginable loss.

Standing Against Terrorism

The early 1990s were a period of intense turmoil in Kashmir, with Pakistani-sponsored terrorists spreading fear and violence. As this wave of terror reached the Doda district, Ruchir Kumar Koul emerged as a staunch defender of his community. He led a 41-day mass agitation, effectively shutting down shops, schools, and offices to draw attention to the plight of the local Hindu minority, who were at risk of being driven from their homes just as the Kashmiri Pandits had been.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Despite multiple assassination attempts, Koul’s determination never wavered. On June 7, 1994, terrorists ambushed him as he worked in his fields alongside his wife. In a brutal attack, they shot him 30 to 40 times, killing him instantly. Ruchir died a hero, confronting his attackers with unwavering courage.

A Legacy of Resilience

Ruchir Koul’s life was characterized by his patriotic fervour and steadfast faith. His family’s legacy of resilience continued through his wife, Sudershan, who faced the aftermath of his assassination with remarkable strength.

 Overcome by grief, she attempted suicide but survived after extensive treatment. Determined to honour her husband’s memory, she raised their two young children, embodying the same spirit of endurance that Ruchir had demonstrated.

Honouring a Hero

Today, Ruchir Kumar Koul’s sacrifice is commemorated annually on Martyr’s Day, June 7, in Bhaderwah town. However, his story remains a lesser-known chapter among the broader Kashmiri Pandit community. It is crucial to remember and honour such sacrifices, as they highlight the resilience and indomitable spirit of those who stood against terror and violence.

Ruchir Kumar Koul’s story, though not widely known, serves as a poignant reminder of the price paid by many to protect their homeland and community. His legacy, preserved by local remembrances and the efforts of organisations like the Panun Kashmir Movement in the beginning, besides a publication of an article on his life and works in a local daily in 2016, is all that is available in memory of this hero.

As we commemorate his sacrifice, let us ensure that the bravery of Ruchir Kumar Koul and others like him is never forgotten, but instead, honoured as a testament to their unwavering courage and love for their homeland.