The conscious and conscientious intellectuals of the democratic world increasingly believe that a new system of governance is emerging between democratic and authoritarian regimes, which they term anocracy. In this system, freedoms of writing and speech are narrowing, and laws and the judiciary have become subordinate to a one-sentence order. Criticism of any leader or chief is categorised as treason. Human rights, the rule of law, and the media are severely attacked in this new system.
Barbara Walter, in her book ‘How Civil Wars Start’, explicitly mentions the US and India, noting that 'the kind of coercion, stubbornness or intransigence that used to characterise the authoritarian system is now emerging in these democracies in different forms that seem to be backed by extremist governments in these countries.'
Whereas in the US, those who speak out against the ongoing genocide in Gaza or oppose Trump are being locked up, immigrants are being sent back to their homelands in chains, or their citizenship is being revoked. In contrast, in India, there is anger directed at minorities, witch-hunting of citizens, who criticise government policies, or question the government's silence regarding increasing violent incidents.
Recent examples include Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad from Ashoka University and Professor Natasha Kaul, who is of Kashmiri origin and has faced repression and trolling for criticising the government.
Targeting Prof Ali Khan
Professor Ali Khan raised the question on Facebook: “I am very happy to see so many right-wing commentators applauding Colonel Sophia Qureishi but perhaps they could also equally loudly demand that the victims of mob lynchings, arbitrary bulldozing and others, who are victims of the BJP’s hate mongering be protected as Indian citizens. The optics of two women soldiers presenting their findings is important but optics must translate to reality on the ground otherwise it’s just hypocrisy.”
The head of the Women's Commission in Haryana, immediately labelled him anti-national. The government swiftly arrested him, sending a clear message to the intellectual community to exercise caution; otherwise, questioning or discussing 'Operation Sindoor' could result in imprisonment.
The media is already prepared to peddle its narrative; it declares a verdict of treason even before the case reaches the court. The role of the jingoistic media is increasingly being criticised globally.
Despite the intellectual community finally speaking out about the arrest of Professor Ali after a prolonged silence, the prevailing war hysteria and nationalism in the country have compelled everyone to remain quiet.
Most are trying to save their lives and livelihoods because the strict laws of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) have allowed no room for breaking the silence. Soon, the mouths opened, and the bulldozer began demolishing the opponents' homes despite the Supreme Court ruling.
More than twelve hundred intellectuals, social activists, and professors signed a letter demanding the immediate release of Professor Ali. He was released on bail but on conditions that are being seen as an infringement on his right to free speech.
The Cost of Speaking Out
Despite this dismaying court order, numerous restrictions and pressures, voices have begun to emerge within the social circles of India, indicating that the BJP's hardline policy has not yet produced any results.
The assessment of the damages caused by the war is not being made public, as is being demanded by the opposition parties. Furthermore, the recent tensions and conflict with Pakistan, may give a further shot in the arm to insurgency.
However, as the media celebrates the victory of winning the war, the triumph of diplomacy, and the success of bringing Kashmir closer to Delhi, it has become futile for Professor Ali, Natasha Kaul, or other victims to speak out. There is no longer any space for a counter-narrative.
London-based Kashmiri Pandit Professor Natasha Kaul has faced significant backlash since she criticised the BJP government in the US Congress following the curtailing of Jammu and Kashmir's internal autonomy, detailing the ongoing oppression of Kashmiris to the global forum.
Last year, when she travelled to India to attend an event and visit her mother, she was denied entry at Bengaluru airport. Recently, she posted a message on social media stating that her OIC has been cancelled, which means she has now been stripped of Indian citizenship.
Dozens of individuals were arrested in West Bengal and Maharashtra for posting on social media, which, according to the state governments, amounts to anti-nationalism.
Hyderabad-based journalist Asghar Ali says, “Indira Gandhi silenced the people's voice by imposing an emergency. Modi has advised the media and intellectuals to remain silent without an emergency.” Democracy has reshaped itself into another form—call it Anocracy.
For a decade now, minorities have been the targets of extremist Hindus. However, many Hindus with leftist and secular views have also been subjected to violence or imprisoned, including numerous student leaders and media workers who are currently serving jail terms, about which nobody seems to care.
Yet, all those who dare to ask questions are categorised as anti-national. Sedition has become a very inexpensive commodity for trolls and Hindutva brigades.
Those politicians and intellectuals who have allied with Hindu extremists have gained considerable acceptance at both political and social levels. Opposition parties have characterised this process as the BJP's washing machine, where all sins are washed away by joining the BJP bandwagon. This has become a worrisome trend among the opposition, suggesting that the country is steering towards one-party rule.
The question is whether the definition of democracy has changed. Should criticism of government policies be construed as anti-nationalism, and can those who elevate the people's concerns be deemed traitors? Have the laws of a democratic country shifted, or has an emergency been declared? These questions are pertinent in the US and India, where the space for dissent and opposition appears to have diminished.
Selective Outrage
The BJP minister who targeted minorities by referring to Colonel Sofia Qureishi as a sister of terrorists was not issued a certificate of treason by anyone. Nevertheless, the court had to intervene, yet two FIRs were lodged regarding Professor Ali's Facebook post; had it not been for the Supreme Court, he would have faced a lengthy imprisonment.
Asghar Ali asserts that Professor Ali is the one who identified this selective condemnation of the radical brigade.
He points out, "Where is the space for public thought in democracy? The Hindu Nationalist government appears to be supporting the imposition of its followers' religious fanaticism and has granted them the freedom to act against anyone they consider challenging the authorities."
Asghar Ali further states that "the genie that the BJP had let out of the bottle and left open for minorities has now started swallowing the fanatics when the success or failure of 'Operation Sindoor' itself has become a part of the contention in the BJP, despite the extremists being ready to target Colonel Sophia"
On social media, former colonel and poet GM Baig reflected on the selective process of condemning Hindu extremists at present.
Vijay Shah is a regional leader.
He is the member of a specific party.
And……
The professor possesses a unique identity.
His name is Ali Khan.
While Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s poem "Hum Dekhengey" has become the slogan of numerous public movements in Pakistan, and many have faced intimidation, the same song "Hum Bhi Dekhengey" has been labelled seditious in India.
A few days ago, the Nagpur police accused those who recited a poem at a cultural festival of inciting hatred at a time when a war was being waged against Pakistan. At the same time, there were instructions to keep the people united.
This time, Kashmiris have remained relatively quiet and have refrained from social media. However, reports indicate that approximately ninety youths have been detained under the Public Safety Act for old social media posts, in addition to nearly two and a half thousand arrests made following the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025. Most have now been released.
Barbara Walter asserts that democratic countries that become repressive under the guise of their principles, along with authoritarian states that boast of human rights, are, in fact, exacerbating internal civil wars. In a few years, this could lead to a nightmare concerning their integration, identity, and freedom of speech. Maybe, the fate of the subcontinent is hanging in the balance.
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