My Days In Prison

by Iftikhar Gilani

A Shocking story of trial, temerity and triumph. On 9 June 2002, at 4.30 a.m., Iftikhar Gilani, a journalist with Kashmir Times, was roused from sleep by loud knocks at the door. Groggily he opened it to find a posse of policemen, some armed, carrying an authorization to search his house. Within minutes, they were turning his small flat inside out. Little did Gilani realize then that by the end of the day he would be in police custody. His supposed providing information to Pakistans ISI (Inter Services Intelligence) on the deployment of armed forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The fourteen years in jail. My Days in Prison is Iftikhar Gilanis chilling account of the nightmare that followed. Overnight Gilani was turned from a career journalist to a confirmed spy. He was thrown into Tihar Jail and vilified in news reports. With his journalistic objectivity intact, Gilani narrates the horrors he was subjected to he was confined to the high-security ward, beaten till lie bled, made to clean filthy toilets with his shirt and then forced to wear the same shirt again . . . Eventually, in January 2003, the government withdrew the case in the wake of vociferous protests by civil rights activists and media personalities, and Gilani was a free man again. But his story demonstrates how important it is to uphold the rule of law and how easily an irresponsible few can misuse the draconian laws to their own ends. Most of all, he points out that, while he could prove his Innocence, the right to justice and personal liberty cannot be compromised in a democracy. As Gilani convincingly shows, this was not his fight alone.

164 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jimmu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great narration of high humiliation from the Jail and from the police officials. the auther is the reporter of kashmir times and the son in law of activist in Kashmir, becuase of latter reason, police authoiries charged the case by saying that he worked as spy against India, simply by noting one published article. I refer to everyone must read for understanding how kindoms will be behaved in callously certain circumstances to it citizens simply without any legitimate reason.

[Debarati · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book when i was doing my PG in journalism. This book was an eye-opener and a reality bite that journalism is not that easy in the country.

[Ankita Srivastava · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a must read for students of law and journalism. Gives an insight into the jail conditions, unlawful treatment to under trials and misuse of Official Secret Act.

[Cheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Iftikhar Sir has really given an insight into how the judicial system works in India. A must read.

[Iqra Tasmiae]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.theh...

[Nishant Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book written by a victim of application of one of a range of India's arbitrary acts. The tale is told in a very detailed manner and exposes the sham behind the state's rhetoric. I gives you essential insides into the life behind Tihar jail and also enlightens about Islamphobia, in general. The book is a vital piece of work written by a journalist who was rounded up by people who misused the power. The book will change the way you think about the government, any government of any country. The book makes an argument for scrapping/revising/reforming the existing (draconian) laws, for the strengthening of democracy and neutrality of media of the country.

[Ripudaman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has left an indelible mark on the procedures of law and justice that India is so proud of. It is a question that clearly merit to be discussed and unriddled.