Irfan Mehraj: Courage, Conscience, and the Power of Truth

Irfan Mehraj is a journalist and human rights activist from Kashmir whose life and work reflect an unwavering commitment to truth, dignity, and public conscience. Writing for respected international and Indian platforms such as Deutsche Welle, The Indian Express, TRT World, The Wire, The Caravan, Himal Southasian, and New Arab, Mehraj has consistently focused on stories that demand moral attention. His journalism sheds light on the lived realities of Kashmir, particularly the social and human rights challenges confronting its Muslim community.

Born and raised in Kashmir, Mehraj’s early exposure to conflict and resilience shaped his purpose as a storyteller. He pursued a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from the University of Kashmir, choosing to use his education not merely as a profession, but as a means of service. As editor of TwoCircles.net and founding editor of Wande Magazine, he helped build platforms that amplified marginalized voices and encouraged thoughtful, independent journalism.

Mehraj’s dedication to principled reporting came at a personal cost. On 20 March 2023, he was arrested by India’s National Investigation Agency following questioning related to his association with the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS), a respected organization known for documenting human rights concerns in the region. His detention became emblematic of the risks faced by journalists and human rights defenders working in contested spaces.

The response to Mehraj’s arrest was global and resolute. International human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, called for his immediate release, describing the case as part of a broader effort to silence independent voices in Kashmir. United Nations Special Rapporteurs, among them Mary Lawlor, expressed grave concern and urged Indian authorities to end the criminalization of human rights work. Political leaders, journalists’ bodies, and civil society groups echoed these calls, standing in solidarity with Mehraj.

Irfan Mehraj’s story is one of quiet courage. It reminds us that journalism rooted in integrity can endure even the harshest trials—and that the pursuit of truth, though costly, remains an act of profound hope.