SIDDIQUE KAPPAN from Kerala is an Economics Graduate from Calicut University. He is presently Sub-Editor, Delhi Bureau in-charge of Tejas Daily and has also worked for Thalsamayam Daily as reporter from Delhi. His professional beat is Supreme Court, Parliament, Dalit, Adivasi, Women, Kashmir, UAPA, AFSPA. He did his Diploma in Journalism from Jamia Millia Islamia. In an interview with MOHD NAUSHAD KHAN, Kappan said, “Not many know this but UAPA was my beat – it’s what I covered in detail from 2011. So, I know exactly what the law is and that the burden to prove innocence was on me.”
Are you a free man now? What is your feeling out of jail?
I feel happy and proud. I am not a completely free man. Delhi is the area where I have worked for eight consecutive years since 2003. But I have to live here like a prison for six weeks. Inability to move independently. Report to the police station every Monday. Where we used to run and work, life now is like living in an open prison.
When and how were you arrested and did you try to resist in any way. How would you like to recall that moment?
I was on my way to cover the Hathras gangrape when we were stopped by the police while they were checking vehicles. I was asleep in the backseat of the car when the police came to check our vehicle. I showed them my ID, etc. Later, the police took control of our car, asked the driver to leave and told us to come to the police aid centre.
Can you share your experience when you were in jail and was your experience in any way different from other jail inmates?
While I was in jail, I got to know through a newspaperthat I was charged under UAPA. I was not allowed to speak to my family or lawyer for the first 45 days. The day I got to know I had been charged under the anti-terror law, I didn’t expect myself to come out for 5 years. Not many know this but UAPA was my beat – it’s what I covered in detail from 2011. So, I know exactly what the law is and that the burden to prove innocence was on me. I was treated at a hospital in Mathura for Covid and there I was called all sorts of names, including terrorist. I was chained to the hospital bed while police officials stood guard outside my room. I was not even allowed to use the toilet for 5 days straight. I used empty water bottles to relieve myself. I was targeted because I have written pieces that have been critical of the ruling BJP and the government and its policies. There are journalists who publish government press releases and do not report on their shortcomings. But for independent journalists, it is dangerous in India. And situation is deteriorating every day. I will continue to fight my case while I pursue my journalism.
What does your arrest, stay in jail and the long struggle for bail speaks about investigative and judicial process and also the obstacle towards responsible journalism?
Targeting and victimising bona-fide journalists will certainly weaken our system. Slapping field journalists with draconian laws and then languishing them in jails for years is appalling to any modern state.
You have seen transition in journalism from close quarter.How dangerous is it for the free press?
As I said above, free press is inevitable. In fact, I believe every media institution is functioning here with backing of one or another groups. But hunting and harassing journalists is shameful for the society. Yet it is quite hopeful that journalism has evolved now to a time where facts cannot be omitted or ignored anymore. Fact checking has occupied space in our daily reading.
What would you like to say to the people who stood by you during these troubled times?
I thank all of them from the core of my heart. People who supported me include laymen from my village back in Kerala, to international news agencies from UK, US and France, etc. Media friends, Leaders, Lawyers all stood for me and my family. I am grateful to each of them for the cause they stood up.
Has pain, suffering and trauma shaken you in any way or you have emerged stronger?
I am a person who is charged with crimes which I haven’t even imagined. So, the feeling of innocence was inside me all these months. I am a journalist by profession and I will continue my job for my living.
How difficult do you think is to speak truth today because one may have to pay a heavy price for that?
I wish to quote Gandhi, ‘Truth alone will endure, all the rest will be swept away before the tide of time’.
What kept you strong in jail and what was the most painful experience there?
My innocence and hope in justice kept me awake. I lost my beloved mother while I was in jail.
Do you believe that for the freedom of the press and for the protection of journalists, various existing forums for press should be made more effective and powerful?
It has become the need of the hour. Journos should know about rights, remedies, and protection measures that are available under Indian law. Moreover, a legal team should be readily available for immediate steps in case of any emergency.
Should journalist demand any national law for the protection of journalists and will it serve any purpose?
Our country’s ranking in press freedom has shown a dip. I think law making is important but a system with laws for protection, with no benefit in reality is a tragedy. I hope such legislations will come up accordingly in times ahead.