In a significant development for press freedom in the contested region, Jammu and Kashmir police have compelled multiple journalists to sign a formal commitment vowing not to “disturb peace” through their reporting. This move has sparked immediate concerns among media watchdogs and press freedom advocates.
According to verified reports, at least three journalists received official summons to police stations in Srinagar, the capital of the federally administered territory. While two journalists confirmed receiving these directives, one assistant editor from the respected Indian Express newspaper notably refused to sign the document despite repeated police summons between January 15-19.
The situation emerges against the backdrop of India’s 2019 revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional autonomy, which was followed by numerous restrictions in the Muslim-majority region. These developments include established guidelines governing how media outlets cover the ongoing insurgency and related security matters.
The Press Club of Kashmir confirmed in an official statement that multiple members had received either formal summons or informal advisories from authorities requesting they cease reporting on police investigations into religious institutions’ funding and management structures.
Kunal Majumder, Asia-Pacific coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, characterized these actions as “part of a pattern of intimidation against the media in Jammu and Kashmir,” emphasizing that using police powers to summon journalists over legitimate reporting represents a concerning trend for democratic principles.
The Srinagar police spokesperson has not yet responded to requests for commentary regarding these developments. Meanwhile, the Indian Express has publicly affirmed its commitment to “uphold and protect the rights and dignity of its journalists” in response to these pressures.