Valley of Shadows: The Untold Story of Terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir

“Some stories are too painful to tell. And yet, they must be told.” Kashmir is a land both celebrated and cursed—its beauty often romanticised; its tragedy often politicised. For decades, the region has been viewed through a blurred lens—either as a paradise lost or a war zone marked by conflict. Rarely has the human cost been conveyed in its raw, unfiltered truth. Valley of Shadows is my humble attempt to bridge that silence. This book isn't about providing all the answers but exploring the different layers. It shows how terrorism slowly crept in through ideology, weapons, and betrayal, changing the daily lives of Kashmiris. It also highlights how it broke down trust between neighbours, between citizens and the government, and even within families.

Covering the period from the significant year of 1947 through the challenging 1990s and into the hopeful early 2000's, I have genuinely aimed to craft a story that feels both complete and heartfelt. Drawing from a blend of official documents, personal interviews, press reports, and stories I collected over the years during my active counter-insurgency service in the valley and as a dedicated member of the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan for three years, this narrative shines a light on moments of unimaginable violence alongside inspiring acts of bravery. It shares heartfelt stories of exile and lost homes, as well as tales of resistance and resilience. The history of terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir is not just about bombs and bullets; it's about shattered childhoods, manipulated beliefs, buried justice, and the resilient spirit to survive.

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Brigadier (Dr.) Vijay Sagar Dheman, a distinguished retired Army veteran widely recognised as the "Scholar Warrior," offers exceptional expertise for his forthcoming publication on terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. Author is a respected International Affairs Analyst and Defence Expert, often appearing as a prime-time TV commentator. His academic credentials include two PhD, one from the University of Rajasthan and another from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Dr. Dheman has contributed as an Adjunct Faculty member in the National Securities Studies Department at Central University Jammu and has also served as Dean of the Management Department at GK University, Punjab. He generously shares his knowledge as a Guest Faculty member and Resource Person at Varanasi Institute of History, Banaras Hindu University and the South Asia Studies Centre, University of Rajasthan. His service includes a tenure with the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) in Jammu and Kashmir.

Brigadier Dheman's accolades feature commendations from the Army, PT Prem Nath Bhatt Memorial Award for Amateur Journalism in 2022, and a United Nations Organization (UNO) citation for exceptional service.