Journalists in India face attacks, legal action, and threats
In September and October 2020, lists circulating online allegedly identifying journalists as “anti-Hindu” or as “Indian agents” named dozens of local members of the press, police opened investigations into at least two reporters and one media executive, and authorities attacked at least one journalist during the course of his reporting, according to news reports and…
Kashmir’s news media faces existential crisis amid restrictions, arrests
On August 5, the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi imposed a strict communication blackout in Jammu and Kashmir after stripping the state of its limited autonomous status under the Indian constitution. A month later as the restrictions continued, CPJ India Correspondent Kunal Majumder traveled to Srinagar, Kashmir’s largest city, to speak to local…
At least 2 journalists detained amid tensions in Jammu and Kashmir
New Delhi, August 16, 2019—The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on the Indian government to immediately stop its harassment of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir and to allow them to work freely. Authorities have detained at least two journalists in the past week amid tensions and the communications blackout in the region.
Indian investigative agency questions Greater Kashmir editor Fayaz Kaloo for 6 days
New Delhi, July 9, 2019–Indian authorities should stop harassing journalists and employees of the Greater Kashmir newspaper, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. Fayaz Kaloo, the editor-in-chief of the privately owned newspaper–one of the leading dailies in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir state–was questioned for nearly a week by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), according…
Jammu and Kashmir government pulls advertisements from two major newspapers
New Delhi, February 26, 2019–The state government of Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir should reinstate its advertisements in two major local newspapers or provide an acceptable explanation concerning its decision not to do so, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. The administration of Governor Satya Pal Malik, who runs the state government after the local…
Indian investigative agency questions Kashmiri journalist over interview with separatist leader
New Delhi, 16 July, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) to respect press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir and stop harassing Kashmiri reporter Auqib Javeed and the local daily Greater Kashmir.
Indian court delays photojournalist’s bail hearing
New Delhi, March 8, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Indian authorities to grant photojournalist Kamran Yousuf bail. The bail decision was expected March 7, according to news reports, but has not been handed down yet. Yousuf, a freelancer working in the Jammu and Kashmir region, who contributes to the daily Greater Kashmir, has…
India charges photojournalist arrested in Kashmir in September with sedition, other crimes
New York, January 18, 2018–India’s National Investigation Agency today charged photojournalist Kamran Yousuf with criminal conspiracy, attempting to wage war against India, and sedition, according to news reports. Authorities charged Yousuf alongside 12 others accused of anti-state activities, reports said. Yousuf, a freelancer working in the Jammu and Kashmir region, who contributes to the daily…
Indian authorities detain local photojournalist, accuse him of throwing stones
New Delhi, September 11, 2017–Indian authorities should immediately release Kamran Yousuf, a freelance photojournalist who was working in the Jammu and Kashmir region and has been held without charge since September 4, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.
Indian authorities shut down media outlets in Jammu and Kashmir
Washington, July 18, 2016–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on authorities in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir to stop harassing and obstructing the media. Several newspapers in the state have been prevented from publishing for three days, while mobile internet services are shut down, and cable television has been blocked.