Location: Srinagar, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK)
The Kashmir Wallah, a prominent news website headquartered in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir (IIOJK) region, has been compelled to abandon its office in Srinagar following a recent move by the Indian government to block its website and social media accounts. The development underscores a growing crackdown on press freedom and media in the occupied valley, where journalists have faced repeated summonses and detentions since 2019.
The clampdown on the regional news portal is viewed within the broader context of restrictions on journalism within the occupied region. The journalistic environment in the valley has witnessed a series of challenges since 2019, when the administration led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked Article 370, a constitutional provision that granted special status and autonomy to the disputed territory for over seven decades.
In response to the recent actions by the Indian government, a staff member at The Kashmir Wallah revealed, “Six persons used to sit at the office and we removed all our belongings and emptied out the premises today.” This move came after the website’s access was abruptly blocked and its social media accounts rendered inaccessible two days ago.
Critics argue that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a figure who continues to enjoy significant popularity, has been increasingly criticized for suppressing opposition and critical media. The recent events involving The Kashmir Wallah have sparked concerns over freedom of the press.
In a statement issued by the news outlet’s staff, they recounted their experience: “On Saturday, we woke up to another deadly blow of finding access to our website and social media accounts blocked.” The internet service provider attributed the blocks to a government order, while an eviction notice from the landlord further compounded the outlet’s troubles.
The situation surrounding the news portal has been exacerbated by the arrest of Fahad Shah, the editor of The Kashmir Wallah. Shah, who has been accused by Indian authorities of “glorifying terrorism” and “spreading fake news,” was apprehended last year and remains incarcerated.
The Indian government’s actions have fueled criticism both domestically and internationally. Moreover, the presence of more than half a million Indian soldiers in the occupied territory has been interpreted as a means to suppress potential protests against the contested rule in the valley.
As the situation continues to unfold, concerns over press freedom, freedom of expression, and the broader human rights situation in the region remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu Kashmir.
