Courage Amidst Conflict: The Story of Bashir Athar

Dr. Shiben Krishen Raina

In the turbulent year of 1997, amidst the height of militancy in Kashmir, I embarked on a journey to Srinagar for academic purposes. The atmosphere was fraught with tension, yet assurances of adequate security measures gave me some solace. My itinerary included stops in both Jammu and Srinagar.

Upon completing my work in Jammu, I arrived at the Srinagar airport, where a vehicle awaited me, accompanied by an armed guard. My accommodation was arranged at the Tourist Reception Center, conveniently located near the local Doordarshan Kendra.

After fulfilling my official duties, I had the privilege of meeting Bashir Malik, popularly known as Bashir Athar, ’Athar’ being his pen-name. At that time, Athar was the Chief News Editor at Doordarshan and later retired as Deputy Director General. I was familiar with some of his poetry, and he knew of my literary contributions, as well. Our meeting was warm. He introduced me to his colleagues and also arranged for my interview at the DD Centre.

During our conversation, Athar received a phone call. Though I couldn't discern the caller's words, Athar's thunderous response left an indelible mark on me. He roared into the phone, "Listen carefully. I will only say 'killed' for your dead man, not 'martyred'. Do whatever you want." After a brief exchange, he hung up the phone.

Athar then explained the situation. Militant groups frequently threatened him, demanding that those killed in encounters be referred to as 'martyrs' in news bulletins. Athar stood firm, declaring, "I will be the last person to succumb to their pressure."

Throughout his tenure, Athar maintained this resolute stance, facing the militants' challenges head-on. There was even an incident where a bomb was thrown at him, but he miraculously escaped unharmed. During this period of turmoil Athar could not attend the funeral of his mother, who passed away in 1993, nor perform the last rites of his uncle, who had adopted him as his son. ‘Come what may!’ Athar always remained unwavering in his commitment to the truth.

Bashir Malik was honored with the Shiromani Patarkarita Rattan Award by the Shaheed Memorial Sewa Society (Ludhiana) for his outstanding service to the nation, presenting an accurate picture of the situation in Kashmir against all odds. During our discussions, Bashir revealed the many challenges he faced. As per his words reporting from Kashmir was not an easy job. He had been doing it for over 20 years, ever since the eruption of militancy in Kashmir. While traditional media persons had left the valley or succumbed to militants’ dictates, Bashir Malik stood firm. Militants had already killed several state-run media personnel, making reporting for All India Radio and Doordarshan nearly suicidal, especially for someone with widespread family ties in the valley. Malik, from Anantnag, the fountainhead of militancy, chose to stand steady, reporting for AIR and presenting a picture contrary to that of traditional and biased media reported. This displeased the militants, who intensified their threats to Athar.

Malik's family received numerous threats, with Malik himself receiving at least 100 threatening calls daily. He frequently changed his telephone numbers and residences. Despite the predicament, he chose to uphold his conscience over succumbing to fundamentalism and secessionism. This decision isolated him socially, with militants issuing a fatwa of social boycott against him. Athar wrote me later that the most painful moments of his life were when he couldn't attend his mother and uncle's funerals. "I was only about 50 km away when my uncle and my mother were being laid to rest, yet I could not join the mourning... I was made to mourn, grieve and weep all alone," he recounted.

Malik aspired to rise above parochial and chauvinistic considerations, demonstrating that not all Kashmiri Muslims were fundamentalists or secessionists. He highlighted that many like him were willing to die for India, with hundreds having already sacrificed their lives for the country. His award by the Shaheed Memorial Sewa Society acknowledges those sacrifices and supports his stand.

Athar's story offers a glimpse into the daily pressures faced by journalists in conflict zones, particularly in Kashmir during the height of militancy and violence. His unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity, even in the face of grave danger, is a proof of his courage, principles, and dedication.

Interestingly, Athar's fighting spirit is also reflected in his poetry collection, “Kani Shahar.” His verses carry the same fierce determination and resilience he displayed as a news editor. Some of his poems, which I had the privilege of translating into Hindi, appeared on various social platforms within and outside the country and were later published in a book-form that he dedicated to me reverentially. It won’t be out of context to quote one of Bashir's most poignant poems here for readers' contemplation. This piece aims to expose the nefarious and destructive motives of antisocial elements, including extremists bent upon dividing the homogeneous and secular character of Kashmiri society. The last four lines of the poem highlight the deep love the poet has for his society and homeland, expressing hope that no one can divide his motherland.

"Keep on Dividing”

You divided the sky,

Divided the Universe too.

God too you divided,

And divided the countries all over.

You divided the shade of trees,

Divided their greenness and freshness.

Our rich traditions you got divided,

Bonds ever thick you divided.

You divided water, air too,

Divided our rich past.

Present too you brutally divided,

You divided man, his humanness.

Divided his soul, his psyche too,

You divided the love

Of our mothers, brothers'

and sisters' affection, too.

Keep on dividing, my friend!

Till you are exhausted.

But tell me,

How will you divide

My Motherland, my homeland?

Where you live,

I live,

And our ancestors lived!

Athar's story is a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by media professionals in conflict-ridden areas. It underscores the importance of maintaining journalistic ethics and the personal risks involved in standing up to anti-social groups. His dual role as a fearless journalist and poet adds depth to his personality, showing how art and professional integrity can coexist and reinforce each other.

In conclusion, Bashir Athar's story is not just about one man's courage but a reflection of the broader struggles faced by those who uphold truth and integrity in challenging circumstances. Athar’s life and work inspire, reminding us of the power of individual resolve in the face of intimidation and the crucial role of responsible journalism in conflict zones.

It needs to be mentioned here that author of several books in Urdu, Hindi and Kashmiri, Malik was awarded thrice by Doordarshan for his outstanding work in news- reporting and also conferred with the State award of excellence in the field of media by J&K State Government.

Malik has travelled widely and has the distinction of accompanying various Presidents and Prime Ministers of our country to over fifteen foreign countries.

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