Shah Faesal: A perception was built that I am anti-national

Shah Faesal said he realised that in politics it was really hard to tell the truth to public. “I did not want to lead Kashmiris down the garden path and raise unrealistic expectations.”

Shah Faesal withdraws habeas corpus plea challenging detention from Delhi HC

The first Kashmiri to top Civil Services in 2009, Faesal said, he had not been speaking for almost a year. “I took my time lest it (quitting politics) was seen as a hasty decision. It has been a year since I spoke last,” he said.

Shah Faesal, who resigned as President of J&K People’s Movement and quit politics, said Monday that Kashmir faced a new political reality, and he did not want to show “quixotic dreams” to people when he had no power to change it.

In an interview to The Indian Express, Faesal also said a perception had been built he was an anti-national. “In the last one year due to some of my problematic utterances, a perception was built that I am an anti-national… due to some of my statements, I let down a lot of people who had immense goodwill for me. I want to undo that,” he said.

According to Faesal, he realised that in politics it was really hard to tell the truth to public. “I did not want to lead Kashmiris down the garden path and raise unrealistic expectations,” he said.

Avoiding a direct reply to a question on whether he would consider returning to government service, Faesal said he had a life ahead of him and wanted to move and “do something productive”.

“I don’t know what’s stored in future and where will I go (sic). My fundamental interest is in education, health, poverty alleviation, employment generation and I wish to contribute in those sectors. This is a new world and I have many dreams for Jammu and Kashmir. I wish to start my life from a clean slate and do something productive,” he said.

Faesal said detention proved to be an “immense learning phase”. “I realised that at the end of the day you are all alone. It’s your family that suffers the most while ironically those for whom you seem to be standing up are drawing a sadistic pleasure out of your misery. Detention gave me the clarity of mind that I belong somewhere else. That I can’t destroy my life for those who won’t even cry for me,” he said.

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To a question if he saw space for mainstream politics in J&K, Faesal said, “I have absolutely no idea.”

Naveed Iqbal

Naveed Iqbal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, and reports from Jammu and Kashmir. With a career spanning over 15 years in frontline journalism, Naveed provides authoritative reporting on the region’s transition, governance, and the socio-political implications of national policies. Expertise Regional Specialization: Based in the Srinagar and New Delhi bureaus, Naveed has spent over a decade documenting the unique challenges of Jammu and Kashmir. Her reporting is distinguished by deep contextual knowledge of the region's post-Article 370, statehood debates, and local electoral politics. Key Coverage Beats: Her extensive body of work covers: Politics & Governance: Tracking the National Conference (NC), PDP, and BJP dynamics, including in-depth coverage of J&K’s first Assembly sessions and Rajya Sabha polls following the reorganization of the state. Internal Security & Justice: Providing rigorous reporting on counter-insurgency operations, terror module investigations, and judicial developments involving political detainees and constitutional rights. Education & Minority Affairs: Highlighting systemic issues such as quota rows in J&K, public service commission reforms, and the challenges faced by minority communities. ... Read More

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