A Fearless Advocate for Kashmiri Hindus Pandit Tika Lal Taploo was a senior advocate, a dedicated nationalist, and a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kashmir. A staunch believer in democracy and secularism, he fearlessly spoke against the growing influence of separatists and Islamist fundamentalists in the Valley. Despite facing constant threats, he continued to advocate for the rights of Kashmiri Hindus and never considered leaving his homeland.

As an advocate, he helped numerous families in legal matters and was known for his compassion and integrity. He also played an active role in social causes, ensuring that Kashmiri Hindus were represented politically and legally in the valley. His Brutal Assassination On September 14, 1989, while returning home from court, Taploo was ambushed by armed terrorists outside his residence in Srinagar. He was shot multiple times in broad daylight, in front of several eyewitnesses. No one dared to come forward to help him, as the entire region had already fallen into the grip of fear. His killing marked the beginning of the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits.

After his murder, thousands of Kashmiri Pandits marched through Srinagar in protest, demanding justice. However, instead of action against the perpetrators, more Kashmiri Hindus were soon targeted. His assassination signaled the beginning of a systematic campaign to silence Kashmiri Pandit voices. His Legacy His death became a symbol of resistance, inspiring Kashmiri Pandits to stand up against Islamist terror. September 14 is observed as "Kashmiri Pandit Martyrs’ Day" in his honor. His killing was one of the first in the series of attacks that eventually led to the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990.