Zee Exclusive: Not willing to join a political party or start one right now, says Shah Faesal

Speaking exclusive to Zee, Shah Faesal spoke about a host of things, including sedition case against JNU students, leaving IAS, joining politics and much more. 

Edited excerpts below: 

Why did you step down from the position of an IAS and join politics?

Faesal:IAS is very important to me, but the situation in our state was such that it became vital for me to raise certain issues and talk about them. And this wouldn't have been possible if I were a civil servant. 

You had said that you left civil service because of killings. But that is happening on both the sides. 
 

Faesal: I was talking about such situations, humanity. One doesn't want that children turn orphans on both the sides. 
Many of my friends have died- from both sides. My understanding says that one just let things happen. It is a political matter an only when we act politically, will there be peace. 
I am worried about everyone.

You were an inspiration to many when you became an IAS officer, but don't you think once you join a political party you will lose your identity?
 

Faesal: As far as inspiration is considered, I hope that in the days to come, many people join politics as it is very important. I am also hopeful that the intent with which I have left civil service will motivate people to come and join me in my endeavor. 

Will you be starting your own party or will you join the NC, PDP? 
 

Faesal: At the moment, I am not willing to start a political party or even join any. I am prepared to walk alone. But at the moment, a deluge of people want to speak to me, after which I will take any decision.

What did you feel after talking to the people?
 

Faesal: Seeing the hope that people have, I don't think it is necessary for me to get a seat in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. 

You had said that you don't believe in the Idea of India. 
 

Faesal: I had said that the Kashmiri youngsters have some expectations and that I want to openly address it. We will them be able to find a middle ground. If the Kashmiris think differently, one needs to talk to them. Probably that's when we will be able to draw a conclusion. 

Do you think it is important to have a talk with Pakistan? 
 

Faesal: See, everytime India and Pakistan have indulged in a dialogue, things have changed for the better, and I would like that this dialogue is never-ending. 

At the borders, soldiers have a tough time, every time these two countries have a conflict. 

What do you have to say about the charge sheet filed against Umar Khalid and Kanhaiya Kumar? 
 

Faesal: Even Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned by the British under Section 124 of the IPC. This section of the Indian Penal Code has been used several times. Each time someone says something which is against the popular belief, this section is slapped on them. But in a democracy like India, I don't think it is right to have such laws that restrain freedom of speech. 

Do you think what happened is right (on Kanhaiya Kumar)?
 

Faesal: Two kids, who were in their university, were raising slogans and did not have any weapons, so shouldn't be sent to jail. 

Some people say that you have received money from Pakistan. 
 

Faesal: I don't believe in this kind of politics which is not ready to accept that we are in a difficult situation here. I have always said that I take money from neither here nor there. 

What do you have to say to the stone pelters? 
 

Faesal: If you look at the history, violence has solved nothing. We take a step ahead in the direction, they will take two. 

Does that mean that the state should invite Hurriyat for a dialogue? 

Faesal: Absolutely. It's the State's duty to take the first step.