India Tightens Grip on Press Freedom in IIOJK with Surveillance at Srinagar Press Club

When journalism becomes a target, freedom of speech pays the price—such is the reality unfolding in IIOJK.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), India’s democratic façade continues to crumble as reports expose increasing surveillance on journalists. The presence of Indian police and the State Investigation Agency (SIA) at the Srinagar Press Club has sparked outrage, with claims that press freedom is being deliberately suppressed.

A police station has been established directly inside the Press Club, and two SIA offices have been set up within the nearby Press Enclave. This move has raised serious alarms over the shrinking space for independent journalism in the region.

Waheed Parra, legislator from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced strong opposition to this measure. Speaking in the IIOJK Legislative Assembly, Parra demanded the immediate relocation of both the police station and the SIA offices. He argued that their presence is undermining journalistic independence and contributing to an atmosphere of intimidation.

Parra highlighted how media freedom in the occupied territory has deteriorated, especially following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. According to him, Kashmiri journalists have been some of the worst affected, subjected to severe communication blackouts and tight controls. “The media was the first casualty after August 5, 2019,” he stated. “Authorities tried to create a state-sponsored narrative while silencing independent voices.”

Further criticizing the current media policy in IIOJK, Parra called for its complete abolition rather than just a superficial review. He labeled the policy as nothing more than a tool of censorship, aimed at blocking independent journalism and promoting state-controlled reporting.

He also emphasized that placing a police station and two SIA offices within the Press Club sends a clear message to intimidate the media—an effort to “shoot the messenger” and silence dissent.

Parra urged the authorities to relocate these establishments away from the Press Club, stressing that such oppressive measures contradict the principles of free speech and democracy.