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| Raja Shakeel, Marketing Editor at The Chenab Times, resigned to pursue activism in Chenab Valley. he aims to address local issues, supports detained AAP MLA Mehraj Malik, and calls his move “a revolution” for justice |
Thathri, October 14, 2025 — Raja Shakeel, a respected journalist and Marketing Editor at The Chenab Times, has stepped down from his role to dedicate his life to social activism, aiming to address the challenges faced by the people of Jammu & Kashmir’s Chenab Valley. According to details received by Tahir Rihat, Shakeel’s decision reflects his commitment to amplifying unheard voices and fostering positive change in the region.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Shakeel described his transition as “not a resignation, but a revolution.” He emphasized that his years in journalism, particularly with The Chenab Times, shaped his understanding of truth and storytelling. “For years, I reported the struggles of our people. Now, I feel called not just to highlight their pain but to work directly for their justice and upliftment,” he said, as shared with Tahir Rihat.
Hailing from Joura Kalan village in Doda’s Kahara tehsil, Shakeel has been a prominent voice in the Chenab Valley, covering civic issues, rural hardships, and developmental challenges across Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts. A civil engineering graduate from Kurukshetra University, he is also known for his poetry and hosting regional cultural programs, which have endeared him to local communities.
Shakeel’s announcement comes amid heightened attention on the detention of Aam Aadmi Party MLA Mehraj Malik under the Public Safety Act (PSA) in September 2025. Malik, the sole AAP legislator in Jammu & Kashmir, faces allegations of disturbing public order, sparking protests across the region, including the “Ek Candle Malik Ke Naam” campaign on October 12. Shakeel expressed solidarity with Malik, calling him “a true voice who never bows to adversity,” while clarifying he is not joining any political party.
The Editor-in-Chief of The Chenab Times, Anzer Ayoob, accepted Shakeel’s resignation with a letter praising his contributions. “Raja brought sincerity and passion to our newsroom, amplifying the voices of the marginalized with integrity,” Ayoob said, as reported by Tahir Rihat. He added that Shakeel’s work had been instrumental in the outlet’s growth and wished him success in his new journey.
Local journalists and community members view Shakeel’s shift as a natural extension of his grassroots reporting. “Raja was always more than a journalist; he was a voice for the people,” said a Bhaderwah-based senior journalist, who requested anonymity. His move highlights a growing trend among young journalists in Jammu & Kashmir seeking to engage directly with communities beyond the constraints of traditional media.
As Shakeel embarks on this new chapter, he vowed to continue his mission “for truth, for justice, and for the people.” His transition underscores the resilience and determination of individuals in the Chenab Valley to drive meaningful change, a story that resonates with the mission of Tahir Rihat to document and amplify such voices.