Opinion | Redefining Shahela Rashid

Her actions were fuelled by a deep sense of patriotism and a genuine desire to see positive change in her homeland. She was motivated by the principles of justice, equality, and the values enshrined in the Indian constitution

Shehla Rashid is a prominent activist and political leader from Jammu and Kashmir who has made significant contributions to the socio-political landscape of India. Her journey from being seen as a rebel to a patriot has been intriguing and complex, marked by her unwavering commitment to humanity and activism. She was known solely as an activist and a political figure before joining a government job in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hailing from a challenging region where people have grappled with the issues of political turmoil, violence, and insurgency for many decades, she has witnessed firsthand the impact of these challenges on the lives of people in her community. This early exposure to the harsh realities of her surroundings ignited a deep sense of empathy and a desire to bring about positive change.”
Shahela Rashid’s activism began to take shape during her time as a student at the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. It was here that she found a platform to voice her concerns on issues related to the rights of the people in Jammu and Kashmir. She emerged as a vocal advocate for the rights of the people and a sharp critic of the Indian government’s policies in the region. Rashid’s outspokenness and her fearless approach to addressing sensitive issues earned her the reputation of being a concerned citizen of this country.
She rose to prominence whilst leading the student protests calling for the release of Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and others who were arrested on charges of sedition in February 2016 for participating and organizing sloganeering in JNU. Shehla has been active since 2010. She played an important role in organising the ‘Occupy UGC movement’ and the decision to “camp” at University Grants Commission (UGC) headquarters to protest the withdrawal of non-NET fellowship. She led the protest march to the Ministry of Human Resources Development to ask for an increase in the stipends. She also briefly joined Shah Faesal led Jammu and Kashmir people’s movement. Besides participating in the various youth Programmes including some controversial issues she has been particularly active in Kashmir, In 2013, when Pragaash, an all-female band composed of young Muslim women, faced online harassment and death threats from various people and groups in Kashmir, she came out openly in support of the band and condemned the online abuse and threats directed at them.
Her journey in the field of activism has however not been a smooth sailing. Many times, she has landed herself in controversial issues In February 2019, Dehradun Police filed a FIR against her for a tweet she posted on 16 February 2019 where she had written “15-20 Kashmiri girls trapped in a hostel in Dehradun for hours now. Mobs outside are baying for their blood. Police is present but unable to disperse the mob”. Police however dismissed her allegation as a rumour and filed an FIR against her. In August 2019, she tweeted that Indian Army was torturing Kashmiris as a consequence of Indian revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. A supreme Court lawyer filed a complaint under offence of sedition and sought criminal action against Shehla Rashid over her allegations.
Despite all these issues and controversies, it would be misleading to label Shehla Rashid simply as a rebel. Her actions were fuelled by a deep sense of patriotism and a genuine desire to see positive change in her homeland. She was motivated by the principles of justice, equality, and the values enshrined in the Indian constitution. Rashid’s patriotism was rooted in her unwavering belief in the democratic ideals of the country and her commitment to upholding the rights of all citizens, including those from marginalized and violence-affected regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
Rashid’s journey from being perceived as a rebel to emerging as a patriot reflects a nuanced understanding of her identity and her role as an activist. She demonstrated a keen awareness of the complex realities of her homeland and the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing the issues it faced. While she was unapologetic in her criticism of the government’s policies, she also remained committed to the principles of non-violence and constitutionalism. Her approach was marked by a boldness to challenge the status quo, coupled with a deep sense of responsibility towards her community and the nation as a whole.

In recent years, Shehla Rashid also experienced the realm of electoral politics, further expanding her role as a patriot Indian. Her decision to contest in elections and engage with the formal political system reflects a strategic shift in her approach to bringing about change. By entering the political arena, Rashid aimed to bring the voices and concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to the forefront of national discourse and policy-making. This move signifies her commitment to working within the established democratic framework to effect meaningful change, while continuing to champion the rights of her constituents.
Recently, Shehla has not only withdrawn her name from the petitioners list on Article 370 but she has also openly praised the developmental initiatives taken by the Union government and the LG administration in the J&K UT.She has even openly praised the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and his model of development. Shehla said,”What caused my change of heart is the realisation that the Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi is a selfless man who is taking radical decisions to transform India. He has braved intense criticism but remained steadfast to his vision of inclusive development that leaves no one behind.
Rashid’s recent transition from being seen as a rebel to a patriot Indian is emblematic of the evolving nature of activism and patriotism in contemporary India. It underscores the complexities and challenges that arise when individuals seek to navigate the intersections of identity, social justice, and national belonging. Her journey serves as a powerful example of the ways in which individuals can harness their passion for justice and equity to effect positive change within the framework of the democratic institutions and processes. Shehla Rashid’s trajectory from a rebel to a patriot Indian reflects her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights. Her activism has been rooted in a deep sense of empathy and a genuine desire to see positive change in her homeland of Jammu and Kashmir. Rashid’s transition into the mainstream fold further underscores her dedication to amplifying the voices of the people she represents and working within the established democratic framework to bring about meaningful change. As she continues to navigate the complexities of her role as an activist and a successful young woman now doing a high-profile government job, Shehla Rashid remains a potent symbol of resilient activism and patriotic commitment in contemporary India.
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