Mohammad Subhan Hajam

Mohammad Subhan Hajam (1910–1962), also known as Subhan Naed, was a Kashmiri barber and social activist who is best known for his campaign against institutionalized prostitution in the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir during the early 20th century. Beginning as a teenager, he organized protests and published pamphlets opposing the state-regulated sex trade. His campaign drew attention to the practice and, in its aftermath, reforms were introduced that resulted in the closure of many brothels.

Early life and education Hajam was born to Rahim Hajam in 1910 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. He operated a small barber shop close to the Palladium Cinema at Budshah Chowk in Srinagar. He also received practical support from Master Mohammad Sidiq of the Tyndale Biscoe School. He was briefly employed to cut hair for the Maharaja's band but lost the position due to his activism. Later, with assistance from Biscoe School, he worked at a school as a barber. He died in 1962 in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

In July 1934, an official complaint was lodged against him at the Shergarhi Police Station under Section 36 of the Police Act. The charge alleged that he had gathered people in Maisuma Bazaar and incited them to march toward a brothel, causing an obstruction to traffic. The case, titled State through Police Station Shergarhi vs. Subhan Hajjam son of Rahim Hajjam, was heard by City Judge Pandit Bishamber Nath. Hajam denied the allegations, and the court dismissed the matter for lack of evidence.