Written by: Maemuna Sadaf,
Journalism is a way to communicate the present situations of any area to the
rest of the world. Journalism is a global profession. Journalism can be written,
broadcasted live, photo, etc. Photojournalists are mostly first-hand source, the
witness of conflicts and human rights violations. They are specially facing life-
threatening problems. Journalism especially photojournalism is considered a
difficult profession because it is meant to expose the right as well as the worst from
society. Journalism is specifically difficult in war-stricken areas. But in Indian
Occupied Kashmir (IOK) journalism is considered as a crime.
Due to frequent internet blockage IOK journalists, face difficulty in
broadcasting their stories and full filling their duties. In recent lockdown and
revoke of article 370, life in IOK became stagnant and miserable. The lockdown of
the internet has ceased communication. The Indian authorities had snapped the
broadband internet connection of the Kashmir press club. This move meant 200
journalists who are a member of Kashmir Press Club; fraternity could not file their
reports. Hence, Internet blockage is the main hindrance in full filling the profession
of journalism in IOK.
Besides the difficulties of internet blockage, journalists of the valley face
imprisonment, torture and even murder for their obvious duty. They are
continuously harassed. Indian authorities are seeking forced undertakings from
news organizations regarding assurance to defend Indian defined narrative. India
has also issued an advisory to international journalists who are working in India,
reminding them that they would need prior permission to travel to “protected
areas” including IOK. IOK journalists are bound to ensure the Indian government
promoted versions. They are summed and called to police stations often. The
detention of Journalists in Counter Insurgency Centre (Cargo) in Srinagar has
become a routine matter.
Beside local journalists, Peerzada Ashiq who works for “The Hindu” was
also summoned to Kothi Bagh Police station. He was interrogated for breaking
news regarding IOK. Aqib Javaid of Daily Kashmir Observer was interrogated for
interviewing Aasiya Andrabi (Chairman Dukhtaran-e-Millat). Asif Sultan
Assistant Editor at Kashmir Narrator was arrested in lieu of defaming India and
possession of incriminatory material on his laptop. None of these charges were
substantiated. These assaults on journalists are an attempt to suppress freedom of
expression in IOK.
On the other hand, under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act
(UAPA), journalists are captured, detained, tortured and molested by the Indian
army for portraying the true events to the world. Recently, pellets were fired on
four photojournalists in the Shopian Area of the valley. This assault left these
journalists injured. Asian Forum for Human Rights development (FORUM-Asia)
expressed its concerns over the firing and detention of journalists. Journalist
broadcasting truth is accused of spying and supporting Pakistan. These journalists
are detained, tortured and left without any proof of allegation on them. In recent
curfew, journalism is the most suffered profession in IOK. Only a few local and
international journalists are daring enough to work in IOK in today´s situation.
Operating freely from the valley has become a dream for IOK journalists.
Concluding more! Human Rights commissions condemned India for its
genocide in Kashmir including people from any walk of life. Human Rights watch
urge India to ensure the security of Journalists in IOK. United Nations should take
positive actions and pressurize India to bring peace in the valley and provide
security to the journalist. India should allow International journalists and news
agencies to work in IOK providing sufficient security to them. Indian army should
be prohibited to capture or torture any registered journalist regardless of any
proven allegation. Human Rights violations should be controlled
