Trolled for Topping

From school results to national TV debates, confident Kashmiri girls are becoming soft targets for faceless trolls. A disturbing pattern is emerging, and it's silencing the very voices Kashmir needs.

- Fiza Masoodi

When 18-year-old Sana received the news that she had topped her Class 12 board exams, her modest home erupted with celebration. Sweets were passed around, phone calls poured in, and her cousins danced in the courtyard. Her success was a rare joyful moment for a family living amid everyday uncertainty.

But joy quickly gave way to silence. A photo of Sana, wearing a sweatshirt and sporting a cropped haircut, began circulating on social media, especially X. Within hours, she was ridiculed online for looking “like a boy.” A harrowing hashtag mocked her gender expression. Some even questioned her religion and upbringing.

“My daughter had done nothing wrong,” said her father, his voice breaking. “We raised her to study hard and be honest. We are proud of her. But she's a kid, and if her appearance has hurt anyone, we apologise.”

The trolls were mostly faceless. Anonymous accounts with vague bios, political memes, and sometimes even Al-generated profile pictures. Their weapon: a steady stream of mockery disguised as satire. Their aim: to shame a girl for being seen.

This wasn't the first time.