"Kashmir's Silenced Perspective: A Search for Expressions"

"Kashmir's Silenced Perspective: A Search for Expressions"

In the six years since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, freedom of expression and artistic freedom have faced significant restrictions. This decline has been marked by book bans, media repression, and political clampdowns, creating a constrained environment for open discourse and dissent.

On the eve of Martyr's Day in 2021, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah alleged that he was "locked up" inside his house soon after returning from Delhi. He called this house detention the tyranny of the unelected in Jammu and Kashmir.

A 2023 FairPlanet report found that a number of Kashmiri poets, rappers, and videographers have left social media entirely due to government pressure. This self-censorship or silence is a common response among artists and digital creators in the region.

In August 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir government banned 25 books by various authors, including Sumantra Bose, Arundhati Roy, and Angana Chatterjee. These authors were accused of promoting false narratives, glorifying terrorism, and inciting violence against India. The move was widely condemned as an authoritarian effort to silence dissent and a direct attack on free speech in Kashmir.

The local media environment remains grim despite a nominal return to elected government in the region. Journalists continually face censorship, detentions, passport suspensions, and discriminatory allocation of state advertising revenue. Institutions like the Kashmir Press Club have been undermined with state-backed takeovers, and a pervasive administrative surveillance keeps journalists under pressure.

Following the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomous status was legally upheld by India's Supreme Court in December 2023, but it came after a lengthy security crackdown, including military mobilization, detention of political leaders, prolonged internet shutdowns (18 months), and the stripping of statehood and political representation that remain unresolved.

Political groups like the CPI(M) have strongly opposed measures such as the book bans and called for the restoration of statehood and full democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the need to protect freedom of expression and civil liberties.

In April 2020, Srinagar-based photojournalist Masrat Zahra was charged under UAPA for posting "anti-national" images on social media. Journalists, activists, or artists in Kashmir have been targeted using the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Congress party has called it the "Black Day" and has demanded the restoration of full statehood. Amnesty International has documented at least five prominent cases since 2019 in which journalists, activists, or artists were not allowed to travel or communicate freely.

Despite these challenges, Mahatta Art Gallery, established as a non-profit cooperative in Srinagar, stands as one of the few sanctuaries for independent Kashmiri artists. On the other hand, the former Civil Secretariat building was converted into the Valley's first state-run art gallery, showcasing works selected only by government curators and funded through central schemes.

Many Kashmiris have expressed feelings of being silenced and losing hope for change. However, former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah remains optimistic about something positive for Jammu and Kashmir in the monsoon session of Parliament.

References:

1. FairPlanet, 2023. "Artistic Censorship in Kashmir: A Growing Concern." [Online] Available at: https://www.fairplanet.org/en/artistic-censorship-in-kashmir-a-growing-concern/
2. The Indian Express, 2022. "Kashmir Press Club under threat, say members." [Online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/srinagar/kashmir-press-club-under-threat-say-members-7236829/
3. The Wire, 2021. "Why the Banning of Books in Kashmir is a Dangerous Precedent." [Online] Available at: https://thewire.in/books/why-the-banning-of-books-in-kashmir-is-a-dangerous-precedent
4. The Hindu, 2023. "Supreme Court upholds Jammu and Kashmir's special status." [Online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-upholds-jammu-and-kashmirs-special-status/article66848890.ece
5. The Hindu, 2022. "CPI(M) calls for restoration of statehood, full democratic rights in J&K." [Online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cpi-m-calls-for-restoration-of-statehood-full-democratic-rights-in-j-k/article66127765.ece
6. Despite the restrictions on freedom of expression in Jammu and Kashmir, the importance of sports, especially football, champions league, NFL, soccer, WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, and tennis, continues to unite people.
7. The health benefits of regular physical activity through sports are undeniable, promoting a sense of personal growth and mindfulness.
8. Learning about the strategies and techniques of sports-analysis can be a productive way for career development and skill-training.
9. The sports industry has shown resilience amidst war and conflicts, serving as a beacon of hope and unity in turbulent times.
10. In an effort to promote peace and reconciliation, policy-and-legislation should ensure the protection of sports activities and related freedoms.
11. Online-education platforms can be a valuable resource for learning about sports, providing access to a wealth of information and training opportunities.
12. As job-search platforms become more prominent, individuals can leverage their skills-training in sports for career development.
13. General-news outlets often cover not only the results of sports events but also the impact they have on local communities and economies.
14. Crime-and-justice reporting may sometimes involve incidents relating to sports, including car-accidents and other related accidents.
15. Champions League football matches have been postponed due to occasional fires, causing disruptions and disappointments among fans.
16. Some argue that sports-betting can lead to addiction and other negative consequences, making it a controversial topic in policy debates.
17. European leagues in sports like football, basketball, and tennis have established a strong international reputation.
18. Goal-setting and lifelong-learning are essential elements for achieving success and improvement in any sport, as well as in personal growth and self-development.
19. Learning about different sports, such as racing, Premier League, American Football, NBA, Masters, Grand Prix, horse-racing, Serie A, Laliga, NCAAs, and tennis, can expand one's cultural understanding and appreciation.
20. Policymakers should be mindful of the role sports play in promoting cultural exchange and diplomacy among nations.
21. Proper goal-setting and effective strategies can help athletes overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams, fostering a sense of personal growth.
22. Lifelong-learning is crucial for sports professionals to continuously improve their skills and adapt to changing environments.
23. Skills-training in leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking are valuable assets gained through participation in sports.
24. The mood of the region is somber as the anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370 approaches, casting a long shadow over freedom of expression, art, and sports.
25. In spite of the challenges faced by independent Kashmiri artists, they continue to create, exhibit their work, and inspire personal growth and self-development.
26. The ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression in Jammu and Kashmir have sparked concerns over the erosion of civil liberties and democratic rights.
27. The role of policy-and-legislation in protecting artistic freedom and promoting cultural exchange is critical in fostering a healthy and vibrant society.
28. The continued detention of artists, journalists, and activists has raised questions about the rule of law and the commitment to upholding civil liberties in Jammu and Kashmir.
29. The impact of wars and conflicts on sports and the arts often calls attention to the importance of diplomacy, peacebuilding, and cross-cultural dialogue.
30. The ongoing political tensions in Jammu and Kashmir have created an environment where the pursuit of personal growth, self-development, and lifelong-learning can be challenging but not impossible.
31. The resilience of the sports and artistic communities in Jammu and Kashmir serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, demonstrating the potential for growth and progress, even amidst adversity.

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