Civil servant-turned-politician Shah Faesal wasn’t immediately arrested after the state of Jammu & Kashmir was dismantled on 5 August. He was detained on 14 August when he was trying to go to Harvard University to complete his course. A friend of his told The Hindu that the authorities who detained him at Delhi airport asked him about the interview he had given to the BBC the previous day.
Packed off to Srinagar, he was detained there under the draconian Public Safety Act, using which the government can detain anyone it likes without trial, without giving a reason, for six months. (Hail democracy.)
Far from being any cause for trouble in J&K, Shah Faesal was running away to Harvard. (What a politician who deserts his people in a time of great crisis. No wonder many think the government did him a favour.)
Also read: All lines on this route are closed: Getting my mother out of Kashmir in a lockdown
The real reason
It is clear that the real reason why Shah Faesal has been under house arrest is because he gave the BBC an interview. And what did he say in the interview? Did he demand azaadi for Kashmir? Did he say Pakistan zindabad? Far from it. He actually expressed faith in Indian democracy and its institutions. He only disagreed with the Narendra Modi government’s decision to dismantle the state of Jammu & Kashmir, and the manner in which it was done. Modi is murdering the Constitution he said, something that opposition leaders have accused the government of the day of doing all the time.
And that’s why he is under arrest, his civil liberties suspended, his voice muzzled. Let it be very clear that Shah Faesal’s only crime is that he doesn’t agree with Narendra Modi. This is what authoritarian regimes do. This is what Indira Gandhi did during the Emergency. Opposition leaders are jailed to prevent them from speaking to the public. Authoritarian regimes tend to muzzle the voice of the opposition when the truth is inconvenient.
This is also why Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and many of their family members have also been incarcerated. These are all Indian politicians who have held the Indian flag high in a place rife with separatism, at great risk to their personal lives. But today they have been thrown under the bus, and lest they protest, they have been put in a makeshift prison.
They have been jailed because of their conscience; people who have been jailed for nothing more than a difference of opinion. It is a great shame that nobody is paying more than lip service to this injustice. ‘Preventive custody to maintain law and order’ is the standard Raj-era excuse for muzzling dissenting voices and creating a false illusion of consensus.
Also read: Should India worry about China and Pakistan pushing the UNSC on Kashmir?
Silenced before you may disagree
Following the dramatic, unilateral constitutional changes announced on 5 August, the Modi government has tried to produce a false narrative that everything is fine in Kashmir, and Kashmiris are happy. To prop up this false narrative, it is necessary that Kashmiri politicians are not seen on TV or on the streets opposing what the Modi government did.
For a brief while that PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti was able to tweet while she was under house arrest, she wrote, “The overwhelming mandate that Modi ji got had given us hope that like a statesman he too would tread the path taken by Vajpayee ji & reach out to people of J&K. What an utter betrayal of trust.”
Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference was placed under an undeclared house arrest and Home Minister Amit Shah said in Parliament that he wasn’t. The Home Minister of India is lying, he said. Farooq broke free and spoke to NDTV, and he’s now again under house arrest, his plea to offer Eid prayers at a mosque rejected.
Omar Abdullah asked people to stay calm and not take to violence just before his freedom was taken away. Cheap propaganda stories have been planted through stenographer-reporters about how Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti are fighting in ‘jail’. Having murdered democracy, the Modi government wants cheap thrills.
Some leaders of mainstream political parties have been shifted to jails in Agra and Bareilly. In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter demanded to know why she’s been placed under house arrest.
She writes, “However, the security personnel have cited my interviews to various media portals and newspapers as the reason for my detention. In fact, I’ve been threatened with dire consequences if I speak up again.”
Also read: Family of Greater Kashmir journalist claims Army, CRPF men arrested him, but don’t know why
Threatened not to speak
It seems that along with Article 370, Modi-Shah have also abolished Article 19, which guarantees fundamental rights such as the right to freedom of speech and expression. We don’t know how many Kashmiri politicians are in jail just because their opinion is different from Modi and Shah’s, but it was said to be 400 in just the first two days. The arrests of journalists have also begun.
Nobody in India today empathises with Kashmiris, but who’s to say the Modi government won’t follow the same strategy across India? If opposition leaders are jailed, local media stifled, the internet cut off, how will we know if people are happy or screaming in rage? If this is not the murder of the Constitution, what is?
The Modi government wants obedience from the people, from the media and from the opposition. Soon, it will demand we must all sing this song or be ready to be jailed.
https://youtu.be/uXIYTbYVdnw
Views are personal.
Biased view. It is well known fact that how separatist had their say in early while rules. Earlier Government could not do anything without a wish of separatists. Earlier Governments acted as hand in glow with them and were sympthisers of separatists.
Every body read chanakya’s policies regarding nation
Modi is doing the same
I like it.
As usual ‘the print’ always supports any articles and author who writes against Modi under pretext of liberalism n democracy to an extent that we Indians feel that they are now crossing line to Anti India media house.
What these idiots believe that an average Indians can’t read between the lines.
Grow up shivam why so much hateredness for Kashmiri pandits ladakhi. Didn’t you see they celebrated the decision.
To maintain peace, tranquility and avoid provocative speeches by these 3-4 people, it was essential to keep them under preventive custody, in the larger interest of the State and Country. India First. Democracy and Free speech can wait. Unification is more important.
Very well written article Vij – at least a few in the press have guts to write what is the truth – otherwise the Godi Media and the paid trolls above will only bootlick the chaddis. Keep up the writing and look forward to more of such insightful articles.
Jali na.. ?
Dear Shivam Viz
Had the GOI been so cruel, You would not have writen this so called personal view article.
If you are pleading that abdullah & mehbooba were put under detention because they disagreed with Modi Shah then you are far from truth. Mehbooba threatened violence even before 370 was abolished. How can preaching of violence by anyone be tolerated. In a democracy if you disagree with government you can protest peacefully or go to court. If you propagate violence government is bound to put you under preventive detention. Abdullah Mehbooba & Causal called for it.
I believe as a presstitude, you have to make a living. But you are in the wrong boat trying to see things what you can not see and trying to justify things which your uncle has ask to.
It is a sort of emergency like what indira Gandhi did in 1975.
Let us have our brothers who can say what they think.
Where is jamhuriat for kashmir?
Dear author and supporters can you please through some of your wisdom on following matters. 1 Kashmir joined India in 1948, art 370 introduced in 1954. How did j&k function during this period? Why was there no objection in 1954? If introduction is not objected why the removal? What welfare of Kashmiris done with 370? What Kasmir is going to loose in absence of 370? If it was so beneficial why was it kept hanging as ‘temporary’ for so many years? Why should a state get special privileges at the cost of income of other states? These people declare themselves as Indian for passport visa and other benefits but are bound to obey constitution of India. Politicians of Kashmir take oath of constitution of India but need not obey it. Do you consider it should be continued?
Dear author, honestly no one cares for Muftis, Abdullahs and Faesal. They have done very little for Kashmir all these years , if at all they have done something then it is filling their own coffers. The current Govt has handled the possible cris that may have emanated from abrogation of 370 and 35A in best possible manner. Faesal’s arrest is also to poosibly avoid a separatist naarative on foreign soil. Howmuchsoever, authors like you cry hoax India has chosen not to trust. India & Indians have suffered like hell for decades because of Kashmir. By the way, no one in Leh-Ladakh seems to be unhappy. Only Kasmir seems to have identity crisis for now they would loose their right to terrorism & supporting it. What more, now they’ll not get free money for pelting stones & planting bombs. They’ll have ti get up & work. Is that what is paining you as well…?
When the Jews were killed and thrown out of their own land by Hitler they came to Israel which recieved them with open arms.. And don’t forget the way Israel killed Eichmann and other Nazis.. The politicians under house arrest are the Nazis, the central govt is Israel and the Jews are none other than our Kashmiri Hindu brothers.. As the Israeli govt did to the Nazis these people are being punished for their crimes and genocidal war against the Hindus.. You have blood on your hands and it will never go away.. Jai Hind
The Print Editor is in essential need of Burnol, Something is his own burning because of removal of 370 and 35 A, they are such idiots who eat here and speak of bastard Pakistanee views. We don’t need such idiots here, it is better you should go to Pakistan and put your bastards view there.
Dear author, I am also inclined towards leftist ideology but your views are not leftist rather prejudicial. Your type of views will make left opinion lose respect in india. Have an open mind and try to understand practical situation. Previous system in JnK was also not democratic in any way. As long as political scavenger s like abdulla and muftis are present in kashmir there can be no democratic solution of kashmir. Give this solution a chance and we would decide later when JnK becomes a state again.
I think we need to ask the author and the The Print to have some view over POK, Baluchistan and also Muslim dominated area in China.
Let the world know what is happening there. But I am sure the author and The Print do not have any interest there.
Dear author stop stating for India.
As we people of India are proud of present government. Not only Hindus but Muslims too.
The problem is that you are ill minded.
Jai Hind
If you feel so strongly about that Modi shah is mujjzling democracy like article 19 why don’t you file a petition .
A petition has already been filed in supreme court.Only court has legal &moral authority to pronounce judgements not a journalist like you.
Shivam is far from ground reality.
He can get Pakistan citizen ship for free without any application.
Throw this pro Pakistani in jail
I watched Shah Faesal’s interview on BBC HardTalk, where Mr. Faesal clearly said that the only option left for Kashmiris is to become separatists. That means Mr. Faesal does not believe in the Indian Constituion. Looks like the author of this article has been day dreaming and thus making up a story.
Shivam write a article about Kashmiri Pandit their situation today and they were lynched by Kashmiri people from religion of peace 30 years back. If you are a true secular and if u have guts. This will prove that u and ur so called secular media the print are psuedosecular or secular.I was thinking all these years that people of religion of peace a curse for India but ur media the print, the hindu, ndtv etc are the real curse for India
The country is first ,democracy is not an excuse for traitors working for Pak/China intereste, Everyone knows how Mehbooba/Omar/Faesal are against Sovereign Nation, Every Government this earth has got right to keep Traitors yes Traitors away from misusing Democracy
Why the print media / Gernalist instead of supporting government efforts are playing in the hands of foreign powers acting to destabilize India – INDIA no doubt a Democratic but the Black Britishers are ruling thru Media & Money power , undermining 130 cr. People’s aspirations
What Abdullahs and Mufti s have done for kashmir.They have looted it.What Modiji is doing should have been done by Khangress years ago.,Ur are supporting shah faisal who always speaks ill for India, gives inflammatory speeches. Come on author grow up.Ur article is biased.
Don’t worry Shivam, everything would be fine. Sit back and Relax 🙂
Long live Modi
We love India.
There is nothing between Indians. Hindu, Muslim every day meeting a d greeting each other.
Do you realise what havoc they can play in Kashmir which is already incited by Pakistan and the Jehadies.,..,….democratic rights are there only for people who are beneficial for the country……..and not people who are using the right of freedom for harming the nation.
I do not agree with you views.
How the media is spreading lies?Great example. Do you remember one group called pandits? What were muftis and abdullah doing at that time?
One-sided and prejudiced article, and you call it a report.
Opinions that are motivated, nothing else.
HelloEditor, Eevery can write his own story, tell everyone and gvernment of India if you have a better plan to implement the same without any damage to the country and without any problems in Kashmir? Will you able to ? if not shut your mouth.
These 3 are in custody because they can forment trouble. We want Valley Kashmiris to understand that we are not snatching anything from them; we have just made them our Equals. The greatness of our democracy is that while we are Proud to have Amby. Akabrudin Syed at the UN whom i Salute; we have another lumpen akbarudin in hyderabad roaming Free just like bishop franco mallakal while the Victims suffer & suffer in the 100% literate State of India. Nari Skakti? Mallakal should go for a long long time. PRONTO! Some in minorities have totally misused our Freedom & Democracy. Most recently being the triple talaq tamasha. And ass ram bapu, ram rahim, etc are behind bars for years without parole & Rightly so. Uniform Civil Code must come in now. No more Appeasement in the name of Anything! And some pathetic people say we are intolerant? No Boss, we have finally called your Bluff. Mehboobs innocuous statements are laden with deadly venom just like that double edged zakir naik in trouble in malaysia too. Tehzeeb se rehna padega aur Adab se pesh aana hoga. We dont want to dominate But Please you are not S- Pecial. LoL And this time we mean business. Fall in line by behaving like ordinary law abiding citizens of this country like the rest of us. Koi problem nahin hogi. Otherwise piss jaoge buri tereh. I know better sense will prevail upon you. Your holy scriptures also tell you the same to fall in line when the writing is on the wall.
Be careful mr shivam..be very careful…times are changing very fast…and so is india…
Articulate your thoughts in a more “balanced way”….or u might find the “ink” in ur pen drying up…and u wont even know about it..
You just proved the authors point that goons and thugs like you have a licence to threaten credible voices. Whats your credibility as an author bhat? You won’t be published in a toilet journal.
I take no sides. But the Author sounds naive. The tome of the write up is too childish.
Ill informed article.
This article is a total waste and biased towards Modi government. This is so negative article.
You people take money to write such stuff and whatever rubbish you want you can write against the government.
All the best author and your paid media for future articles. Most of the Indians don’t believe as they all know what is right and what is wrong now for the nation and for its people.
Unfortunately too much freedom to a**holes like you
Why moderating.. R u moderating your articles
” Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and many of their family members ” have looted the state for seventy long years.
Ok I agree with you , My question is why the BJP had an alliance with PDP for 3 years. They should have run the state imposing Governer rule.
one more frivolous analyses by Vij
These media guys can post anything.. But want to moderate our views.. Hail democracy
Burnol Time for Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) and Khan Market Gang
I wonder who it is who posts below your articles. Are they genuinely fellow-Indians.? How can my fellow Indians be so cruel, so hateful, so indecent, so lustful of violence, so brain-washed? I have to remind myself that these are the elite, who can read and speak English. How come we are suffering from a such a decency deficit? I mean I always look forward to your articles. You are a bold journalist, who deserves all the support he can get. It is quite amazing that there is absolutely no uproar when the government is acting in a way that can only be deemed authoritarian, nay fascistic. The hallmarks of fascism are all there. We have people locked up under no charge. The ruling party loves talking about the emergency. They actually love the emergency. The only thing they don’t like is that it was by the leader of different party. This spitting at democracy by cynically speaking of defending democracy, I mean, how depraved are these people.
It is your judgement against our view. Stay happy.
I assume you are a typical “sicular” hypocrite judging by your language and holier than thou attitude.
Take a hike.
Shut up uncouth kaffir itcell boy.
Simple it’s done, move on . It’s been 70 year no one done nothing atleast Modi did something it may be good or bad to j&k, if anyone had better idea than why do they wait for 70 years, everyone want j & k for their politics like this writer, we need safe India so some time we have to take bitter pill to ensure good health, what is modi doing will be good for country but not for it’s people
You never give up do you!! always rooting for that silly Ra Ga,.. very patriotic trying to foist a guy like that on the Country!! how are you saying things so freely if you were not in fully functional democracy
Shivam failed to explain why Kashmiri Pandits are living as refugees in their own country.What action these Kashmiri local leaders and mainstream political leadership did to mitigate their sufferings all these years.At least now government is putting efforts in making Kashmir united without any discrimination.Those indulged in corrupt practices are being booked for their crime against Kashmiris.They deserve this treatment as they became irrelevant by their crrupt practices.
It is not just Modi but over 80 per cent of people in India support it as seen in both houses of Lok and Rajya Sabha that passed it with overwhelming numbers and President approved it . Game over. Focus on the new reality.
It was put in 70 odd years ago by a president now taken out .
Those that do not like it are corrupt current j&k political parties their family & friends. Congress that could was impotent in solving the issue for majority of years they ruled. Now support the peoples mandate on this issue and support Modi.
Their resistance is to the concept of being ruled under India, wherein the majority are Hindus. It goes against their prophet’s commands. No more islamic supremacy. Hence, their beef! Furthermore, Modi took away their major source of income by way of corruption.
Don’t worry author. This is re building of boundaries and it is bloodless. Thanks Modi for doing it so simply and swiftly rather than cry for Faesal being in house custody for few months.
Do you even think Indians care for him or x or y or z when the work been done is to take Kashmir, a minuscle area from the clutches of these draconian politicians?
Shiva Vij too shallow on his understanding of Emergency, current situation and needs
Excellent analysis. During Emergency which I, like million of others opposed and voted overwhelmingly to Janata Party, Ms Gandhi lodged only politicians, this govt has even put people under house arrest for nearly 10 days. The Mukesh song was quite apt and hilarious ??
Done, that’s it? Mr. Sen?
Dude, you seem to be one of those intellectually challenged but privileged lot and should be thanking your stars that you are free to print whatever comes into that head of yours.
At this rate, Vij will be in a booby hatch vary soon. He is getting more and more unhinged by the day.
Think of the heavy duty shock absorbers that are placed between two railway coaches. They contract and expand, to take the force and momentum of the moving train. The mainstream politicians played a similar role between Delhi and Srinagar, good naturedly getting clobbered from both sides. Of course, they were rewarded handsomely for their endeavours, as politicians in power all over the country are. Taking them out of the equation, also the formal structure of statehood, the people and Delhi are now in direct contact. Accountability will be much higher.
Wah shivam bhai wah! I was expecting something substantial, and you did not fail to disappoint me.
To me these main stream politicians were “bilingual”, ie speaking one langauge in delhi and contracst in J n K.
FYI, the draconian law u referred above, also exists in UK, however the duration is of 3 months. So, plz hail the democracy globally!
Hope to get some thing substantial to read in your next one. I can only hope, can I?
Not really.
They were milking the central government and accumulated lot of wealth and corrupt to the core. And Mehbooba has been using madrassa language lately, very vile and disgusting.
How does this fit with your earlier delusional ramble on how the left can save secularism by adopting nationalism ?
This is your attempt to adopt nationalism.
Day by day, he is losing it.
You mean Modi or Shah?
Are you taking anti depressants to cope with your delusions before May 2019, when you thought stupid traitor RaGa will become PM?