Thugs of Kashmir A Valley Under Siege by Scams

 

Thugs of Kashmir

A Valley Under Siege by Scams

Peerzada Mohsin Shafi

Kashmir, a place once synonymous with piety, simplicity and sincerity is witnessing a disturbing transformation. The land that was once a symbol of spiritual depth and moral clarity has gradually become a hotspot for scams and frauds of various kinds. What was once unimaginable in this culturally rich and religiously rooted society has now become a daily reality. The values that once defined Kashmiri identity are being eroded by the steady rise of deceit and dishonesty, all unfolding before our eyes often through the screens of our mobile phones.

In earlier times, even a single incident of fraud would shock the entire locality. Such stories, often told by elders were rare and remained confined within the area where they occurred. I recall hearing of a case from our locality in the 1980’s where a man managed to forge a cheque book and withdraw money from someone else's account. The incident caused a stir and the culprit was eventually caught but such occurrences were anomalies in an otherwise upright society. Likewise, there were cases in other parts of the valley where individuals went as far as creating fake banks and deceived people including widows of their savings and valuables. But these were few and their impact limited by the lack of mass communication tools.

With the rise of social media and the expanding reach of the internet, these scams no longer stay within the confines of their origin. The digital age has ensured that every act of fraud, no matter how localized, becomes a matter of global attention. While this has brought a level of awareness, it has also made it easier for scammers to replicate their tactics across different regions. Technology, though a gift in many respects has also become a tool in the hands of the deceitful. The very platforms that could be used to educate and uplift society are being exploited to spread lies, manipulate emotions and commit financial, spiritual and social crimes.

In today’s Kashmir, hardly a day passes without reports of new scams emerging. From religious frauds to financial deceptions, the variety and audacity of these scams are staggering. One of the most shocking examples was that of a mentally unstable person who constructed a replica of the Kaaba and managed to convince people to follow him, exploiting their religious faith. Faith healers, once considered guides to spiritual healing have in many cases turned out to be charlatans misusing their influence for personal gain. In the name of matchmaking, elderly individuals have been duped of their savings. In educational institutions, the very spaces meant to nurture respect and learning have at times become grounds for exploitation.

Fake political movements have also taken root in recent years. These so-called revolutions invited people to donate freely for the cause of Kashmir’s future, only for these entities to disappear overnight leaving behind broken promises and stolen funds. Even some journalists who should act as watchdogs of society have been found collecting money under the pretense of fundraising, only to later vanish with the contributions. A particularly troubling trend is the number of scams targeting unemployed youth. Lured by false hopes of employment and economic opportunity, thousands have fallen victim to social media influencers and YouTubers promising jobs or financial gain.

Now frauds in the name of old age homes/rehabilitation centres have come to light. Kashmiris, known for their warm hearts and charitable spirits are quick to offer help when they believe in a good cause. They not only trust but also contribute generously. Tragically, many of these causes have turned out to be fronts for financial fraud. Every time Kashmiris place their faith in something or someone, it seems there are people waiting to exploit that trust.

This brings us to a pressing and painful question. Who is to blame? In truth, responsibility lies with everyone. As a society, we have failed to adapt to the new realities of the modern world. We are still guided by the belief that everyone is honest and well-intentioned, while the reality is far more complex. The world has changed. Scammers today are not just roadside tricksters, they are educated, tech-savvy, and highly manipulative. They wear the masks of religious leaders, social workers, educators, and journalists. They exploit every gap in our awareness and every ounce of our trust.

It is no longer enough to simply condemn these actions after the fact. Preventive measures must be taken and accountability must be enforced. Government agencies need to crack down hard on fraudulent activities and create systems that detect and prevent scams before they grow. Religious leaders and public figures must verify the authenticity of the individuals and organizations they endorse. Endorsing blindly and then later issuing public apologies or condemnations after scams are exposed is both irresponsible and harmful.

Furthermore, awareness is key. More seminars, public discussions, and workshops must be held across Kashmir to educate people especially the youth and elderly about how to identify potential scams and how to protect themselves. People must be taught not to trust blindly, no matter how appealing the cause or convincing the individual. Skepticism, once considered a negative trait in a society rooted in faith and trust, is now a necessary survival tool.

The fact is, the innocence that once defined Kashmir has been shattered by a new breed of criminals those who exploit the very values that once made this land noble. The thugs of Kashmir are not always visible; they don’t wear masks or carry weapons. They blend in speak well, promise hope, and then disappear with hearts broken and pockets empty. It is time for Kashmir to awaken to this harsh reality. We must remain vigilant, we must hold each other accountable, and above all, we must protect the integrity of our society before more damage is done.

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