Media outlets under pressure in Kashmir
Shahanna Butt
Press TV, Indian-Controlled Kashmir
The offices of two media outlets in Indian-controlled Kashmir have been sealed since August 2019 when the government of India revoked the special status or limited autonomy granted to Jammu and Kashmir.
Qazi Irshad, a photojournalist, encountered a shocking surprise when he visited his office to submit his work; the door was locked and sealed.
The office of Kashmir Times, one of the leading English dailies of Kashmir was sealed by the estate department earlier this week. Kashmir Times is the second in a row after Kashmir News Service was closed in the region.
The editor of Kashmir Times Anuradha Bhasin says the eviction from the office is a part of a crackdown launched by the government against fair journalism in the region after the abrogation of Kashmiris special status in August 2019.
The closure of offices from where these news organizations operated for decades has left many jobless and clueless. Officials in the estate department say eviction notices were served before sealing, something that has been denied by the two organizations.
Media outlets in Kashmir have already started to lay off their staffers after the new media policy minimized the role of reporters and correspondents in the region.
In addition, many journalists complain of intimidation, threats and harassment. According to reports, around 18 journalists have been summoned for questioning by the Jammu and Kashmir police and scores have alleged of being physically assaulted since August 2019.
Disappointed Qazi Irshad when surrounded by colleagues discusses his liabilities and the pending fee of his two school going children. While others question who is next.
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