Archive · 6 Sep 2025
New Report Disputes Kashmir Grave Narrative
Imagine unmarked graves in Kashmir.
Some people claimed they showed wrongdoing by the government.
But a new report by SYSF studied the graves, using photos and records.
It found most were foreign fighters, not locals.
This challenges earlier stories, which were used to push a specific narrative.
The goal is to reveal the truth and create space for reconciliation by showing where these fighters came from and who they were.
This should help reduce misunderstandings and restore trust.
A new report challenges the previous narratives surrounding unmarked graves in Kashmir.
The report, by SYSF, analyzed 4,056 graves across multiple districts in Kashmir.
The study found that over 60% of the graves contained foreign militants.
The report used geotagging, photographs, testimonies, and records in its research.
The research aims to create space for reconciliation through transparency.
- Who
- Save Youth Save Future Foundation (SYSF)
- What
- Report challenging narratives about unmarked graves in Kashmir
- When
- Report released recently; fieldwork from the 1990s
- Where
- Kashmir Valley
- Why
- To provide a more accurate account and counter previous narratives
Separatist Narrative
SYSF Report Findings
Origin of the Dead
Separatist Narrative
Unmarked graves are evidence of alleged atrocities by Indian forces, with the dead being local civilians killed by the government.
SYSF Report Findings
Most of the dead in the unmarked graves were foreign militants, not locals, based on SYSF's research.
Purpose of Information
Separatist Narrative
The report pushed the narrative of “fake” encounter killings and alleged impunity enjoyed by the military under laws like the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
SYSF Report Findings
SYSF aims to establish facts and create space for reconciliation through transparency. The study used geotagging, photographs, testimonies, and records in its research.
- Report Title
- Unraveling the Truth: A Critical Study of Unmarked and Unidentified Graves in Kashmir Valley
- Graves Documented
- 4,056
- Foreign Militant Graves
- 2,493
- Local Militant Graves
- 1,208
- Location of Study
- Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal