Walking the Path of Peace

A Voice in the Silence: From Tragedy to Activism

Kashmir, the land of saints, has long been a cradle of profound narratives—some uplifting and life-affirming, others false and devastating. I fell prey to one such false narrative, a deceit so powerful it ripped through my life like a tempest, leaving a trail of sorrow and questions in its wake. My world was shattered when I was just eight years old, and the echoes of that tragedy have haunted me ever since. My mother was killed.

For the past 35 years, Kashmir has been ensnared in a relentless cycle of violence, casting a long shadow over the lives of its people. The impact of this turmoil is etched deeply into the hearts and minds of Kashmiris, shaping their lives in ways both visible and unseen. My journey into activism and mainstream politics began with a deeply personal tragedy, one that shattered my childhood and propelled me into a life of purpose.

I was just eight years old when my world was irrevocably changed. On 29 October 2002, my mother and my uncle were brutally shot dead by terrorists. My mother, a dedicated school teacher, was killed in a manner so horrific that it haunts me to this day – shot in the eye. She was far too young to have her life so violently ended. At that tender age, I could not grasp the finality of death, let alone the brutality that took my mother from me. The memory of that traumatic moment is etched into my soul, leaving me with a burning question that has gnawed at me ever since: who killed my mother?

As I grew older and reached the 9th or 10th grade, the question of my mother’s death consumed me. In seeking answers, I found a purpose. As a child, I was forced into silence, unable to speak the truth about my mother’s death. Whenever I mentioned her murder, people disparaged her memory, insisting that we weren’t allowed to speak the truth. This hurt deeply, but it also fueled my determination. I thought to myself, “If not me, then who?” I believed that starting from scratch, I could make a positive contribution to the Kashmir Valley.

In the eerie darkness of Kashmir, people lived in fear of militants, whether from Pakistan or their radicalised allies within the Valley itself. One harrowing incident etched itself in my memory: militants, in a brazen display of brutality, demanded that a 13-year-old boy marry his sister to one of their own. When he courageously refused, they callously ended his young life, leaving his lifeless body sprawled amidst the damp fields.

This harrowing incident is but one among the countless tales. The chilling echoes of that night still haunt us, a stark reminder of the terror that lurked in our midst, wielding power through fear and violence. I am not alone in my loss. I know countless Kashmiris whose fathers were killed by terrorists. They understand the pain well but often avoid using the words “militant” or “terrorist.” Instead, they say “unknown gunman.” This euphemism is a shield, protecting them from further pain and potential retribution. But for me, silence was not an option.

Eventually, I began writing in favour of my motherland, driven by the realisation that I was not the only Kashmiri victim of terrorism. There were countless other orphans like me. Who spoke for them? Who acknowledged their suffering? It seemed like no one did. Those who advocated for peace were often silenced, their voices snuffed out like candles in the wind. Some of my friends, unaffiliated with any political party, were among those silenced. Their deaths ignited a fire within me, compelling me to become an activist.

Journey into Activism

In 2014, my journey into activism began with a clear vision: to forge a narrative and provide a platform for nationalist Kashmiris who had long been without representation. If I, as an individual, claim my Kashmiri identity proudly, I am not alone. There are countless others like me, yearning to be heard. Thus, my organisation became a beacon, illuminating the voices of the marginalised and overlooked.

Media outlets, be they national, local, or international, often spotlight the 5%—the radicalised youth and the conflict. But what about the remaining 95%? The silent majority of Kashmiris who strive for peace and normalcy amidst adversity? Their aspirations are too frequently ignored. Western media portrays Lal Chowk with shuttered shops, a symbol of strife. Yet, what about the bustling streets of north Kashmir, the tranquil corners of south Kashmir, or the vibrant heart of Srinagar, such as Shiv Pora? These places, open and alive, are also Kashmir.

The narrative is skewed. The world sees images of Lal Chowk and assumes it epitomises all of Kashmir. This is far from the truth. Areas like Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh, and many others thrive with resilience and hope. Are they not part of Kashmir? Of course, they are. Yet, to fit a certain narrative, these realities remain concealed.

I took on activism to challenge and reshape this narrative, to amplify the voices of the silenced majority. My mission is to ensure the world acknowledges the 95% who are overshadowed by the 5% who dominate headlines. Kashmir is not solely defined by conflict; it is a land where individuals like me, alongside many others, strive daily for peace and normalcy.

My initiatives spanned across the diverse landscapes of the Kashmir Valley. Among my earliest endeavours was organising musical events, confronting the prevalent misconception that music is haram—an idea perpetuated by some religious leaders. This exploration spurred questions about the true nature of music's place within our culture. Consequently, I expanded these events beyond Srinagar, encompassing the entire valley, using music as a universal language to foster unity and understanding among communities.

Recognising the power of sports to unite and inspire, I soon shifted my focus to athletic programs. I firmly believe that the youth should hold bats instead of stones or guns. My efforts concentrated on revitalising cricket grounds and playgrounds, breathing new life into spaces where young Kashmiris could gather and play.

One memorable event was the Karnah Premier League, held near the Line of Control in Karnah Tangdhar. The enthusiastic participation of many young Kashmiris was a testament to their desire to hold pens and bats instead of guns. This vibrant display of youth engagement stood in stark contrast to the media's portrayal of Kashmiris as terrorists. Through these initiatives, I sought to showcase the true spirit of Kashmir's youth: their hope, resilience, and unwavering desire for peace and normalcy.

Reshaping Kashmir's Narrative: Social Media Activism

To counter the prevailing narrative, I harnessed the power of social media. I began sharing content that showcased Kashmiris in a positive light. If someone spoke in favour of the country or achieved something notable, I amplified their voice, emphasising that Kashmiris are also doctors, engineers, and professionals—not just militants. Unfortunately, mainstream media rarely highlighted these positive stories.

Before the abrogation of Article 370, media visuals were dominated by images of armed militants. But what about those Kashmiris excelling in their fields? This gap in representation led me to launch "The Real Kashmir News" portal and the "Pride of Kashmir" column. These platforms featured stories of Kashmiris excelling in various fields, including music and sports. We later converted these stories into video formats, and with a small but dedicated team, our efforts grew significantly, eventually expanding to over 40 employees.

Our content gained traction, and we were able to establish a TV channel in the Kashmir Valley. As we continued to produce and share positive content, we received an offer from India News and NewsX. This collaboration, where I became a business partner for two to three years, gave me a significant boost and recognition for my work. It motivated me to continue and expand my efforts, proving that with dedication and the right platform, the true spirit of Kashmir could shine through.

By leveraging social media, I was able to create a counter-narrative that showcased the diverse and vibrant lives of Kashmiris. This initiative provided a platform for the voices of those who had been overshadowed by conflict and allowed a broader audience to see the resilience, talent, and aspirations of the people of Kashmir. Through these efforts, we demonstrated that Kashmir is not just a region of turmoil but also a land of hope, potential, and positive change.

I used to run and handle Ibn Sina, which was very popular in Kashmir. I remember receiving calls and messages from top figures in the country, including high-ranking magistrates. However, I was always scared to reveal my identity because doing so would create problems for me. I used to post content from a fake handle.

My father warned me that if I posted content under my real name, I would be targeted, just as we lost my mother. I faced harassment not only from militants but also from local Kashmiris. I don’t blame the people of Kashmir, as the situation then made everyone see enemies everywhere. I was going against the tide and would have been targeted, so I switched to a fake account.

In 2018-19, I received a message from the Home Minister. When I saw the notification from HMO India, I initially thought it was fake. But when I clicked on it, I saw it was a verified handle asking me to share my digits. I was sceptical but eventually responded. They called me and said they had been thinking about contacting me for a long time.

Despite using a fake name, the audience understood and supported me. However, my account was suspended for nine months due to online bullying and harassment. I took the matter to the Supreme Court and filed a case against Twitter, which I won. Though my organisation’s handle, Real Kashmir News, remains suspended, my account was restored, and they retained my content.

Building a Network of Voices: The Mission to Change Kashmir’s Narrative

During my fight against the false narrative that Pakistan was spreading. I came across various pro-nationalist Kashmiris on social media who were fearful, and hesitant to speak out. Intrigued by their courage, I reached out and made contact with a few. To my surprise, I discovered a silent majority—thousands of Kashmiris quietly aligned with India but they were quiet because of the fear of militancy. Motivated by this revelation, I resolved to meet these individuals, to understand their stories and aspirations.

I followed the trend and met all the individuals one by one. Some people were expressing fear, so I advised them not to run the handle from their own identity. They should keep a low profile or use a fake account to start putting out content. People started doing it, and today, they also have fake accounts. I know some of the handles with 20,000-30,000 followers on these fake accounts. 

I created a new handle, “TheSkandar”. Under the handle, I took on a mission to counter false narratives, particularly those propagated by sources like the Pakistan Observer. Regularly monitoring global newspapers, including Pakistani publications, became a routine as I sought to debunk misinformation about Kashmir, such as claims of perpetual curfews.

Using social media platforms, I showcased evidence refuting these claims. Holding up newspapers with current dates, I'd demonstrate that life in Kashmir continued despite contrary reports. This content gained traction, reaching beyond social media to mainstream television channels.

Soon, I received unexpected calls from prominent figures in the media. I vividly recall Arnab Goswami inviting me to Mumbai, despite having never visited the city before. With tickets arranged, I found myself amid debates on national platforms like Republic TV, where the tagline "Naya Kashmir" resonated in discussions.

The momentum continued as invitations poured in from Akashvani, Doordarshan, and various television networks across India. My mission was clear: disrupt the prevailing narrative pushed by Pakistan. Every appearance became a chance to challenge misconceptions and present a balanced view of Kashmir's reality.

In those moments, I understood the significance of my role—to provide clarity amidst confusion, to ensure that the truth about Kashmir prevailed over misinformation. Today, I run two of my own media houses: Global Kashmir, and The Real Kashmir (TRK) News, a local cable network in Kashmir. Recently, I expanded operations to Lucknow and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.

However, my activism has not been without danger. In 2017-18, I survived two terrorist attacks in Rajbagh: a shooting and two grenade attacks. Thankfully, I escaped unharmed. On social media, groups like The Resistance Front (TRF) frequently post threats against me, calling me a soldier of India who must be killed. They even share photographs of my deceased mother with threats.

My family has lived in constant fear and misery. I sometimes think about visiting my mother’s grave, but it’s near the jungle, and I have to consider whether it’s safe to go. I remember when Kashmir was under curfew; people would throw stones at our house. I left my home at a very young age and have lived alone since, unable to visit my parents regularly. Even now, my security concerns sometimes prevent me from going home. For example, on Eid, I was excited to visit my family after a year, but the police called and told me I couldn’t leave due to security risks. I spent the holiday alone.

Despite these challenges, I find hope. If I am suffering, it means that somehow, our children are not in their graves, and that is what matters most to me.

While the journey is fraught with danger, it is a path I am willing to walk. For every threat and attack, there is a story of hope, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of the people of Kashmir. This mission is not just about changing narratives; it is about ensuring that future generations inherit a Kashmir where peace and normalcy are the norm, not the exception.