Kashmiri Journalists Face Persecution Under India’s Draconian UAPA

Srinagar: India is not only curbing individual freedoms but also systematically dismantling the pillars of democracy by misusing the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against journalists, researchers, and activists, particularly in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a report published by The Wire has revealed.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the report was compiled by Saranga Ugalmugle, a social justice and social movement advocate with over five years of experience in India. The findings underscore the alarming use of anti-terror laws to silence dissenting voices and curb press freedom in the region.

The case of Kashmiri journalist, researcher, and human rights defender Irfan Meraj exemplifies this crackdown. Meraj was implicated under the UAPA for documenting human rights violations in IIOJK. His arrest on March 20, 2023, serves as a stark reminder of how India’s legal framework is being weaponized to suppress narratives that challenge the occupation regime led by Delhi-installed Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

Despite the absence of concrete evidence, Meraj remains imprisoned without trial, accused of supporting pro-freedom activities. His prolonged detention highlights the broader trend of criminalizing journalists and researchers who expose state-led oppression in the occupied territory.

The report by The Wire has reignited concerns about India’s escalating use of draconian laws to suppress freedom of expression in Kashmir. Human rights organizations and international watchdogs continue to call for accountability and justice, urging India to uphold democratic principles and ensure the protection of press freedom and civil liberties in the region.