In a region recovering from decades of violence, truth in journalism is non-negotiable. In Kashmir, where peace remains fragile, journalism must heal, not harm.
Israar Shahid
For places like Delhi and Mumbai, journalism often involves reporting incidents, socio-political developments, and everyday happenings. However, journalism transcends mere reporting in a volatile region like Kashmir and touches deeper realms of influence and responsibility. The field here often intersects with the fabric of society in ways that challenge the boundaries of traditional professionalism.
As the northernmost region of India, Jammu and Kashmir have historically lagged in adopting advancements in technology, exposure, and education compared to other parts of the country. Cultural phenomena like the rise of radio jockeys, startups, and dine-out trends arrived in the valley significantly later than in metropolitan cities.During Kashmir’s most turbulent times, news dissemination was limited to local platforms. All India Radio (AIR) Srinagar, established in 1948, became a cornerstone for broadcasting news, while the early 1990s saw the emergence of DD Kashir, a local Doordarshan channel. These platforms played a critical role in shaping public opinion. Whatever was aired from Srinagar through these outlets often became the foundation for how a common Kashmiri perceived socio-political realities.This historical context underscores the profound influence that media and journalism have wielded in the region, making it a potent tool not just for information dissemination but also for opinion-building.
Building on the foundation laid earlier, the advent of multimedia journalism and the proliferation of digital platforms like newspapers, social media, and online news portals have transformed journalism into a formidable tool for shaping public opinion. Today, many journalists leverage platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube, amassing large followings and influencing narratives. However, this rise in digital journalism has also made some individuals susceptible to exploitation by forces seeking to destabilize Kashmir.
Sajad Gul, a young journalist from Bandipora, exemplifies this unfortunate reality. Once regarded as a brilliant and disciplined student during his college years at Baramulla Degree College, Sajad’s journey took a controversial turn when he moved to Srinagar. Joining The Kashmir Walla—a media outlet now banned for its alleged links to terror activities—he worked under Fahad Shah, who remains incarcerated under UAPA. Operating an X account under the alias “Sajad Gull,” he frequently posted content that not only propagated misinformation but also incited animosity against the government. His tweets, often devoid of factual accuracy, aimed to provoke unrest and spread ill will, both among the people and against the nation.
In January 2022, Sajad Gul was arrested by the police after uploading a provocative video featuring anti-national slogans chanted by women on the day when wanted terrorist Saleem Parray was eliminated in Shalimar, Srinagar. His activity on X (formerly Twitter) was frequently marked by the dissemination of misinformation and false narratives designed to incite violence and disrupt the fragile peace in Kashmir. Gul’s involvement extended beyond online provocations.
During a lawful encroachment drive by the Revenue Department in his village, aimed at reclaiming Sarkari (government) land from individuals who had illegally occupied it, Gul incited locals to oppose the operation. His instigation led to disruptions in the officials’ legitimate duties, further undermining law and order. He also engaged in disinformation campaigns during counter-terror operations. One such instance occurred in Gundjahangeer, where he spread false narratives after the elimination of a local terrorist, Imtiyaz Ahmad, attempting to provoke the public against the Army and Police. Recognizing the threat posed by his activities, authorities permanently deleted Gul’s X account. However, he now operates another account under the name “Sajad Gul,” with a bio reading “Formerly imprisoned in India” and a location set as “India, often on the road.” The account, followed by 740 people, is protected, with only approved followers able to view his posts. This covert online presence underscores his persistent attempts to exploit digital platforms to further divisive agendas.
Leaving aside the charges under which Sajad Gul was incarcerated, as a concerned citizen, a pressing question arises: Why would a journalist—regarded as a public figure—choose to keep his X account private? Transparency is the hallmark of responsible journalism, and such secrecy raises doubts about his motives. Moreover, while working with The Kashmir Walla (TKW)—a now-banned outlet founded by Fahad Shah—another question looms large: Who funded this organization? TKW neither received government advertisements nor attracted private sponsorships, yet it managed to pay employees and maintain a fancy office in Rajbagh. This financial opacity fuels suspicions about the motives and sources behind their operations. It’s worth noting that The Kashmir Walla published an infamous article titled “The Shackles of Slavery Will Break,” written by Aala Fazili. The piece was a blatant attempt to promote secessionist ideology in Kashmir. Fazili, a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kashmir University, was supported by the Government of India through the UGC Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF), which provided him Rs. 30,000 per month for five years until March 2021. This financial aid was intended to help him complete his research and sustain himself. Ironically, instead of expressing gratitude, Fazili used his platform to peddle “soft separatism”—a subtle yet insidious form of divisive ideology that poses an even greater threat than overt separatism. This was the company Sajad Gul kept. Given such associations and activities, how can one accept the claim of his innocence?
Despite his actions, Gul expected royal treatment from security forces, presenting a fabricated narrative to The Caravan Magazine to garner sympathy. However, a policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and activities that jeopardize national integrity means there can be no pardon for such conduct. Security forces, tasked with safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, cannot indulge someone who actively threatens it. Gul has often claimed he is being targeted for “criticizing the government.” But let’s be clear: journalists and newspapers across the country regularly critique governance. People voice their dissent on platforms like X every day. The difference lies in the nature of the criticism.
Gul crossed the line by writing anti-national articles and posting incendiary slogans—not constructive criticism, but deliberate provocation. Journalism is grounded in fundamental principles, demanding journalists to be not only impartial reporters but also responsible citizens who address societal issues and bring them to the attention of those in power. Unfortunately, individuals like Sajad Gul have strayed far from these ideals. Instead of upholding the ethics of journalism, Gul has weaponized his platform to spread disinformation, promoting secessionist ideologies and trampling on the very principles he is bound to respect. In a region like Kashmir, where peace has been hard-earned after nearly seven decades of turmoil, such actions are utterly unacceptable. Our peace remains fragile, and as common Kashmiris, we categorically reject any form of journalism that incites violence or threatens stability. Gul’s personal vendetta and disinformation campaigns have no place in a society striving to heal and move forward.
As a responsible citizen of Kashmir, and alongside my fellow Kashmiris who have collectively borne the brunt of violence, I unequivocally condemn and reject this brand of so-called journalism. It does not seek to address the real challenges faced by the people but instead fuels division and pits citizens against their own country. Journalism must serve the truth, not agendas that threaten the fabric of our society.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at [email protected]
