In a startling turn of events, Fahad Shah, the founder and editor of the Srinagar-based news magazine and portal, The Kashmir Walla, is expected to be released this week following a stern directive from the Jammu & Kashmir High Court. However, the magazine itself, once a robust voice in journalism, now finds itself without a physical or virtual address, with its portal and social media handles abruptly shut down.
The Kashmir Walla's demise began in August, as outlined in a statement issued by the magazine. The staff members were compelled to vacate their office, and the virtual presence, including a Facebook page boasting half a million followers and a Twitter account, was eradicated in response to what the magazine terms "a legal demand." A former staff member disclosed that despite no explicit notice banning The Kashmir Walla, actions taken since August left no room for doubt: "It was ensured that The Kashmir Walla does not exist."
The magazine's struggle against what it termed "opaque censorship" was conveyed in an August statement, lamenting the removal of its online presence. Since 2011, The Kashmir Walla had strived to maintain an independent, credible, and courageous voice amid substantial pressure from authorities.
Meanwhile, Fahad Shah, who has spent the past 21 months behind bars, is poised for release. A close associate, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed hope for his imminent release as legal formalities are finalized by his family in Jammu.
Shah's arrest in February 2022, relating to a report on an encounter in Pulwama, led to subsequent arrests in four other cases, primarily linked to the magazine's reportage. While he has been granted bail in four cases, an October 2022 UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) case against Shah and scholar Aala Fazili raised concerns about "narrative terrorism." The police alleged that a write-up from 12 years ago aimed at "spreading terrorism and creating a false narrative."
The recent court decision to grant bail to Fahad Shah acknowledged the lack of evidence suggesting that the article provoked individuals to take up militancy. However, it asserted there was "sufficient material" for Shah to face trial under certain sections of the UAPA and for offenses related to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), pertaining to receiving funds from abroad illegally.
As the founder anticipates his release, the fate of The Kashmir Walla remains uncertain. The shuttering of this journalistic outlet raises broader questions about press freedom and the challenges faced by media entities in regions undergoing political turmoil.
