Badaun, UTTAR PRADESH / NEW DELHI :
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Humra Qureshi, an indomitable author and journalist who dedicated her life to giving a voice to the voiceless and unveiling the realities of Kashmir. Humra Qureshi passed away on January 16, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of bold and compassionate storytelling that will continue to resonate across generations.
Humra Qureshi’s groundbreaking work, The Untold Story of Kashmir, remains a seminal contribution to understanding the realities of life in one of the most conflicted regions in the world. The book fearlessly delves into harrowing accounts of human suffering, including the trauma inflicted on Kashmiri women during relentless frisking operations by security forces in the 1990s. Qureshi documented how women were subjected to humiliating and immoral questions under the guise of security checks—an experience that underscored the deep scars of militarization.
Her empathy for the Kashmiri people was deeply personal. During her frequent visits to the valley in the early 1990s, Qureshi bore witness to the immense pain and suffering of its people—both men and women. She recounted the anguish of mothers mourning their disappeared sons, fathers struggling under the weight of oppression, and children robbed of their innocence. These firsthand experiences profoundly shaped her writings, lending them an authenticity and emotional depth that could only come from someone who had truly walked alongside the people whose stories she told.
In Kashmir: The Silence of the Valley and Beyond the Ceasefire Line, Qureshi continued to highlight the human cost of the region’s conflict. Her words served as a bridge between the voiceless and the world, offering readers a window into the resilience and strength of the Kashmiri people amidst relentless turmoil. She was unafraid to challenge the dominant narratives shaped by power corridors, often at great personal risk.
As a journalist, Qureshi was known for her unflinching honesty and incisive critiques. Her articles in leading publications consistently addressed the injustices faced by marginalized communities. She was especially vocal about the systemic marginalization of women and the long-lasting effects of militarization on Kashmir’s social fabric.
Her bravery was not confined to her writings. She stood as a mentor to young journalists, inspiring them to tell difficult stories with courage and integrity. She often said, “The responsibility of a writer is not to comfort the powerful but to empower the powerless.”
Despite the immense challenges, Qureshi’s resolve never wavered. Her ability to balance raw truth with empathy made her a beacon of hope for those struggling against injustice. She participated in numerous human rights initiatives and tirelessly advocated for justice and accountability in Kashmir.
Qureshi’s work was more than a chronicle of conflict; it was an ode to the resilience, love, and enduring humanity of the Kashmiri people. She is survived by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched through her words and actions.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable woman, we also celebrate her life’s work. Humra Qureshi taught us that the act of bearing witness is itself an act of resistance, and her legacy will continue to inspire those who strive for justice and truth.
May her soul find eternal peace, and may her words continue to echo in the hearts of all who read them.
source: http://www.maktoobmedia.com / Maktoob Media.com / Home> Blog / by Rayees Rasool / January 18th, 2025