Unmasking Kashmir Crisis: Yoginder Kandhari’s Bold new Book reignites debate on 1989–90 Insurgency

A thought-provoking and deeply researched work on one of India’s most traumatic chapters, Kashmir Insurgency: Deconstructing the State Response – Revisiting 1989–90, authored by Col. Yoginder Kandhari (Retd.), was formally released today at the Chandigarh Press Club.

The ceremony was presided over by General V. P. Malik, PVSM, AVSM (Retd.), former Chief of the Army Staff, while Col. Daljeet Singh Cheema, accomplished author and motivational speaker,  graced the event as the Guest of Honour. The book has been published by White Falcon Publishing.

Drawing on first-hand experiences during counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir, Right to Information (RTI) disclosures, and exclusive interviews, Kandhari’s book offers a compelling and unflinching account of the genesis and trajectory of the 1989–90 insurgency. The author provides a sobering critique of the state’s paralysis, institutional failures, intelligence lapses, and the moral vacuum that accompanied the mass displacement of the Kashmiri Pandit community—what he calls one of the most successful campaigns of ethnic cleansing in modern history.

General V. P. Malik, in his keynote address, said, “Why did law and order and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir reach the level of implosion experienced in 1990? How Kashmiriyat culture was eliminated (which resulted in exodus of Kashmiri Pandits) and Islamist culture got adopted in the Valley?”

“This book explores all that, and more, through the eyes of witnesses, interviews of then policy makers, and a plethora of research material. Someone has said ‘Study the past if you would define the future.’  ‘Kashmir Insurgency’ is an interesting book, it carries huge lessons for today and tomorrow in Jammu and Kashmir”, Gen. Malik added.

Col Cheema while speaking on the occasion said, “The root cause of the insurgency is that Pakistan has never accepted the Partition as fair to them, it resulted in the first war of 1948 between the neighbours. UN Resolution of 13 August 1948 has many loopholes. After 1971 , Pakistan realised it can never win a conventional war with India, so taking a clue from Bhutto, Gen Zia ul Haque evolved the Pakistan Military Doctrine of Bleed India with thousand cuts, it is taught in their Defence College at Quetta. An Islamic State that depends on Allah and Army and considers its religion the best of all, will continue with its present  policy.”

The function was anchored by Renuka Dhar, who steered the programme with elegance and insight.

Author Col. Yoginder Kandhari (retd.) shared his motivation behind writing the book, emphasizing the need for an honest, fact-based reappraisal of the events that changed the course of Kashmir’s history. He expressed gratitude to the individuals and institutions that provided access and insight during his extensive research.

Col. Charan Jeev Singh (Retd.) offered a succinct yet powerful overview of the book, highlighting key themes such as the systemic collapse of governance, media silence, and the muted role of certain institutions and officials during the crisis.

Navsangeet Kaur, Managing Director of White Falcon Publishing, spoke about her decision to publish the book, noting its “unparalleled depth, credibility, and moral urgency.” She also shared the editorial and logistical challenges of bringing the book to light.

Veteran officers Col. Jagdeep Singh (Retd.), Col. Raman Kapila (Retd.) and Dinesh Kapila  also addressed the gathering, sharing their personal accounts and experiences from Kashmir, which resonated deeply with the audience and added authenticity to the discussions.

The book stands out for its refusal to sensationalise or simplify. Instead, it compels readers to confront unsettling questions: Who failed Kashmir? Why has there never been a collective reckoning? Through meticulously sourced material and clear-eyed analysis, Kandhari urges readers to look beyond the familiar headlines to understand the layers of betrayal and abandonment that marked the era.

Kashmir Insurgency: Deconstructing the State Response – Revisiting 1989–90 is now available in bookstores and online platforms. It is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, journalists, and anyone interested in understanding the truth behind the conflict that continues to shape contemporary India.

About the Author

Col. Yoginder Kandhari (retd.), born in Srinagar, Kashmir, is a veteran of the Indian Army who served during peak insurgency periods in Assam, Punjab, and Kashmir, where he led many challenging operations against insurgents to attain notable successes. After his retirement, he contributes articles on Kashmir’s insurgency and strategic topics to various newspapers and defence publications. His articles on the Kashmir insurgency are extensively cited in research papers.

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