Advocate Sheikh Shakeel: The Lone Voice of the Common Man in Jammu – Why is Everyone Silent?
A Detailed Analysis on the Silence of Political and Social Activists on Public Interest Issues
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh March 06,2025 ||
JAMMU: In the socio-political landscape of Jammu, where common citizens have long yearned for justice, Advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed has emerged as the sole warrior fighting for public causes without fear or favour. At a time when political leaders, social activists, and influential voices have chosen silence, Sheikh Shakeel stands tall – consistently taking on the powerful, exposing corruption, and defending the voiceless.
From fighting for justice in the Deepu case, representing the family of Makhan Din — a young Gujjar youth who died under suspicious circumstances, to exposing the atrocities committed by some police officers, Advocate Shakeel has become the face of public interest litigation in Jammu. Yet, the most disturbing reality is that he stands alone.
Why is Sheikh Shakeel the Only Voice of the Common Man in Jammu?
Why are political leaders silent?
Why are social activists watching from the sidelines?
Why are journalists choosing to look the other way?
Is it fear of agencies? Is it political pressure? Or is it a deliberate conspiracy to maintain the status quo?
A Lone Warrior Against Corruption and Injustice:
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel’s track record speaks louder than any political manifesto. His landmark legal battles have unearthed several scams and exposed the misuse of power by the influential elite. His PILs have led to:
• Eviction of top politicians from government bungalows
• Exposing corruption in land encroachments and police department
• Seeking justice for victims of custodial deaths and suspicious encounters
• Fighting for transparency in recruitment scams and public appointments
While his legal victories have inspired hope among the masses, they have also made him a target of the powerful nexus between politicians, bureaucrats, and police officers.
Where Are Jammu’s Political Leaders?
The silence of Jammu’s political leaders on the issues raised by Sheikh Shakeel is not just shocking — it is shameful.
Leaders who claim to represent the common man have conveniently distanced themselves from public causes. They issue press statements on trivial matters but remain tight-lipped when it comes to police atrocities, corruption cases, and human rights violations.
This selective silence exposes the harsh reality — most political leaders fear backlash from agencies or are hand-in-glove with the corrupt system.
Why Are Social Activists Missing from the Ground?
Jammu’s so-called social activists have confined themselves to Facebook posts and press conferences. Very few are willing to hit the streets or stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Sheikh Shakeel.
Civil society in Jammu suffers from:
• Fear psychosis
• Lack of unity
• Over-dependence on political patronage
• Absence of grassroots movements
The fear of agencies has turned social activists into silent spectators — watching the battle from afar while one man risks his life for the common cause.
Fear of Agencies: The Biggest Reason Behind the Silence
Let’s not deny the harsh truth — Jammu’s society is living under a cloud of fear.
The growing use of investigative agencies to harass dissenting voices has created an atmosphere where people prefer silence over resistance. The message is loud and clear:
Raise your voice, and you will be the next target.
But if Sheikh Shakeel can take on the system despite threats and intimidation — what is stopping the rest of us?
Is Sheikh Shakeel on the Right Path?
Absolutely YES.
In a society where corruption, nepotism, and police brutality have become normalized, Sheikh Shakeel’s legal battles represent the last flicker of hope for justice. His fight is not just for individual cases — it is a battle to restore faith in the rule of law and democracy.
However, one voice alone cannot bring the change that Jammu desperately needs.
Why Are People of Jammu Silent?
The silence of Jammu’s society is more dangerous than corruption itself.
We have normalized injustice. We express outrage on social media but refuse to take the fight to the streets. This apathy has emboldened the corrupt system and isolated those who dare to resist.
If Jammu remains silent today, the next Sheikh Shakeel will never be born.
What Needs to Be Done?
It’s time to break the silence and build a collective movement for justice:
1. Formation of a Civil Society Collective
A unified front of lawyers, social activists, students, and conscious citizens must be created to support Sheikh Shakeel’s mission.
2. Legal Awareness Campaigns
People must be educated about their legal rights and how the judiciary can be used as a tool to fight injustice.
3. Whistleblower Protection Network
A network must be created to protect activists and citizens who expose corruption and police atrocities.
4. Media Accountability Movement
Local media houses must be held accountable for their silence and biased reporting.
Advocate Sheikh Shakeel’s fight is not his own — it is the fight of every common citizen of Jammu.
He has become the voice of the voiceless — but even the strongest voice can be silenced if society chooses to look the other way.
The people of Jammu must decide:
Will you continue to be mute spectators or stand with Sheikh Shakeel to reclaim your rights?
The Voice of the Common Man Should Not Stand Alone!
Civil Society of Jammu appeals to every conscious citizen, social activist, journalist, and political leader to break their silence and stand in solidarity with Advocate Sheikh Shakeel.
It’s time to prove that Jammu is not a land of cowards — but a land of those who stand for truth and justice.
Will you rise, or will you remain silent?
Jammu and Kashmir
Omar Abdullah
Deputy CM Surinder choudhary
BJP Jammu & Kashmir
Sat Sharma CA
Satish Sharma
Advocate group’s
#barassociationofjammu
ZULKARNAIN CHOWDHARY
