Srinagar, Fahad Shah, editor of the Kashmir Walla, recently shared his harrowing experience in prison with The Guardian, a British daily. His story highlights the challenges faced by journalists in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, particularly under stringent anti-terrorism laws.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Shah was interviewed by The Guardian’s Srinagar correspondent, Aakash Hassain. Shah, who has contributed to The Guardian in the past, described his changed perspective after spending over 600 days in detention. He was arrested in February last year on charges of “glorifying terrorism” and “anti-national content.” Despite being granted bail in three of his four cases, Shah was only released last month after a court found insufficient evidence to charge him with terrorism.

Shah recounted the physical and mental toll of his imprisonment, including periods of solitary confinement and harsh interrogation. He reflected on the transformation he underwent while in jail, stating, “Jail crushes you slowly from inside.” He also mentioned the difficulties in adjusting to life after his release, emphasizing that his time in prison has given him a new lens through which to view the world.

The Kashmir Walla, known for its critical reporting on human rights abuses, faced significant challenges following the August 2019 decision by the Indian government to revoke Kashmir’s statehood. The media outlet continued its operations with a reduced staff until it was abruptly shut down in August. Shah, despite these setbacks, remains committed to journalism in Kashmir.

The broader context of Shah’s arrest includes a crackdown on independent journalism in the region, with several journalists jailed or charged, some under anti-terror laws. The Guardian’s report also notes the plight of other journalists like Sajad Gul, still in custody, and the closure of the once-thriving Kashmir press club.

Kunal Majumder of the Committee to Protect Journalists emphasized the need for authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to stop criminalizing journalism and to be tolerant of dissenting voices.