ISLAMABAD: Indian authorities raided the offices of the local news outlet Kashmir Times in Jammu, Indian-occupied Kashmir, on Thursday, seizing documents and digital equipment in an operation the newspaper describes as an attempt to silence critical journalism.
The 70-year-old newspaper said the raid is the latest in a series of actions targeting media outlets operating in the heavily militarized region, where press freedoms have come under increasing scrutiny.
Officials from the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police told local news outlets they discovered ammunition during the raid, including AK-47 cartridges, pistol rounds, and hand grenade pins.
These claims were reported by the Press Trust of India, citing unnamed police officials.
While the SIA has not issued an official statement, it has indicated that platforms cannot be allowed to disseminate content deemed “seditious” or “anti-national.”
Executive Editor Anuradha Bhasin disputed the official account, stating the office has been largely dormant for years and stores only historical records. Kashmir Times rejected both the justification for the raid and the alleged discoveries.
International press freedom advocates expressed alarm.
Kunal Majumder, Coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists’ Asia-Pacific programs, told the press, “Authorities must clearly explain the legal basis for this action and ensure that any investigation is conducted with transparency and full respect for due process.”
“News outlets should not face punitive action simply for doing their journalistic work.”
The CPJ called on Indian authorities to return the seized materials and refrain from filing criminal charges against journalists based on reporting.
In a statement, Kashmir Times described the raid as part of a coordinated campaign against the publication. Officials provided no advance notice or formal documentation of their actions.
The newspaper’s physical offices have been closed for four years, with operations moving entirely online after the print edition ceased in 2021-2022, citing sustained government pressure and financial difficulties.
The outlet rejected the authorities’ allegations as fabricated, emphasizing that reporting on government actions fulfills a democratic function rather than constituting hostility toward the state. “A robust, questioning press is essential to a healthy democracy,” the statement said.
Founded in 1954, Kashmir Times said its investigative work and coverage of underrepresented communities serve the public interest.
Despite mounting pressure, the publication pledged to maintain editorial independence. “The accusations leveled against us are designed to intimidate, to delegitimize, and ultimately to silence. We will not be silenced,” the statement concluded.
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