The Diplomat Desk
Srinagar, TDD,Veteran journalist and renowned author M. L. Kak passed away on Wednesday morning in Gurugram after a prolonged illness. He was 85 years old. Originally from Naidyar, Rainawari in Kashmir, Kak had lived in New Delhi and, more recently, in Gurugram.
Kak began his distinguished career in journalism at The Tribune after earning a post-graduate degree in English literature from Kashmir University and a diploma in Journalism from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Over the years, he served as the newspaper’s correspondent in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, where he reported on a variety of important events and political developments.
One of the most defining moments of Kak’s career occurred during the Emergency imposed in June 1975, when he was among the leading journalists and political figures arrested and detained in Hissar Jail following a confrontation with Haryana’s Chief Minister, Bansi Lal. After spending around 10 days in Hissar Jail, Kak was transferred to Central Jail in Srinagar, thanks to the intervention of Jammu & Kashmir’s then Chief Minister, Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah.
The arrest drew attention at the highest levels. Prime Minister Indira Gandhi publicly condemned the action, describing it as the “sheer misuse of Emergency powers,” and ordered Kak’s immediate release. Kak was ultimately freed after spending another 60 days in Central Jail, Srinagar.
Throughout his career, Kak authored several books, including Jailed Without Crime: The Untold Story of the Emergency, Waves in Kashmir.(TDD)
