The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday carried out a raid at the office of the prestigious media organisation Kashmir Times. Along with the raid, an FIR was also registered against the newspaper’s Managing Editor and senior journalist Anuradha Bhasin. The development has triggered strong reactions and concern across media circles.
The Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) strongly condemned the raid and FIR, describing the move as an assault on independent journalism. According to the organisation, incidents of curbs, summons, raids and legal repression against journalists in Kashmir have been steadily rising.
In its press statement, CASR said that the action is “not merely an investigation but an attempt to intimidate critical journalism.” The statement further alleged that Bhasin’s recently published book was also subjected to unofficial restrictions, and she was prevented from presenting it at public events.
CASR stated that journalists in Kashmir are constantly facing FIRs, seizure of equipment, travel restrictions and the threat of arrests under harsh laws such as UAPA, PSA and NSA. The organisation claimed that many newsrooms are functioning under intense pressure, and independent reporting has increasingly become a high-risk activity.
The statement further noted that the action against Kashmir Times sends a clear message to the wider media fraternity that independent and critical journalism will be curbed through state power.
CASR’s Demands to the Government and Administration
- Immediate end to coercive and repressive actions against journalists.
- Ensuring the safety, dignity and freedom of all journalists in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Ending interference in journalistic and literary activities.
- Lifting restrictions on books and publications.
- Release of all arrested journalists.
CASR also appealed to democratic organisations, press bodies and civil society groups to stand united and raise their voice against attempts to silence Kashmir Times and independent journalists.
