Repression of journalists in IIOJK highlighted at London conference
London: At a conference in London, APHC-AJK leader Shameem Shawl highlighted the severe repression faced by journalists in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) for reporting on the territory’s harsh realities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the conference, titled “Crucial Role of Journalists in Conflict: Protecting Truth Amidst Transnational Repression”, was organized by Wisdom Trust at Lincoln’s Inn and featured participants from various regions.
Shameem Shawl emphasized the growing targeting of journalists in conflict zones, citing alarming reports of killings, harassment, intimidation, and abductions. She highlighted the worsening situation for journalists in IIOJK since August 5, 2019, where routine incidents of manhandling, arbitrary detentions and threats from Indian forces have become commonplace. She quoted the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, who observed: “India is the self-proclaimed world’s largest democracy with strong constitutional protections for freedom of expression. However, the repression of journalists in Kashmir reveals a troubling gap in our understanding of its commitment to these principles.”
Shawl detailed the plight of Kashmiri journalists, many of whom face fabricated charges, physical abuse, and arrests for their reporting. Journalists such as Kamran Yousuf, Aqib Javeed, Khalid Gul, Manan Gulzar Dar, Sartaj Ahmad Butt, Rouf Ahmad Wani, Qazi Shibli, Fahad Shah, Aasif Sultan, Majid Hyderai, Sajjad Gul, Irfan Meraaj, and Masrat Zahra have all been detained for exposing the brutal actions of Indian military forces. While some have been released after prolonged detentions, others remain imprisoned.
Shawl also mentioned the cases of freelance journalists, including Comiti Paul Edward and French reporter Vanessa Dougnac, who were barred from reporting in IIOJK. Dougnac, who had worked in India for 22 years, faced threats of losing her residency permit due to her critical reporting. Similarly, Aakash Hassan was inexplicably prevented from boarding a flight by Indian immigration authorities.
Shawl condemned the ongoing suppression of journalistic freedom by Indian authorities, asserting that such actions directly undermine India’s claims to be the world’s largest democracy.
The conference also featured renowned journalist P. Sainath’s quote: “Journalism is about uncovering what power wants to hide,” underscoring the crucial role of journalists in conflict zones as truth-tellers. Other notable speakers included Lady Shrone Hall, Ambassador Shargof, Lord Duncan Macnair, Graham Soper, Turgay Evren, and Shoira Jabbarin.
