Indian police register cases against media outlets, persons in IIOJK
Authorities warn Journalists as restrictions on free speech tighten
Srinagar: In a move raising serious concerns over press freedom and freedom of expression in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Police on Tuesday registered a case against certain media outlets and persons for reporting protets against the US and -Israel over the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Kashmir Media Service, details of the specific outlets and individuals involved have not been disclosed.
The case was filed at the Cyber Police Station, Srinagar, under provisions that have been widely criticized by human rights observers for being used to curb journalistic independence. The police warned that strict legal action would follow against anyone found involved in what it described “misinformation campaigns”.
Authorities had also issued advisory notices to media organisations, urging reporters to refrain from publishing reports about protests and use of force by forces. Journalists were instructed to ensure that all reports were confirmed through “credible and authoritative sources”.
The crackdown comes amid massive demonstrations across the Kashmir Valley over the US-Israel airstrikes that martyred Ayatollah Khamenei. Protesters are facing curfew-like restrictions, roadblocks, heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces, and throttled internet services, severely limiting the flow of information.
