Under new J&K govt, journalists uncertain about press freedom hope, ‘change in policy’

The oath ceremony last week in Jammu and Kashmir was a crucial moment for the region’s press. It had come after a poll campaign featuring promises on press freedom, increased restrictions on the media, and after a decade of political turmoil.

But several journalists eager to cover the event – ranging from those who work for national dailies to the international press – were reportedly unable to attend it. Many of them have also not received a media accreditation from the UT’s information and public relations department.

While the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference claimed the invitations were sent out through the Lieutenant Governor’s office, reporters in the region feel left out. Journalists told Newslaundry attempts to reach out to the LG’s office remained unsuccessful. 

There have been hopes that the condition of the media will improve after the elections, though opinion is now divided within the media fraternity on what Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s government, which has limited powers until J&K’s statehood is restored, can deliver for the community.

Newslaundry had earlier detailed the situation in the valley and its media crisis. In 2022, a CPJ report had mentioned how travel restrictions on journalists had left them feeling vulnerable.

‘Have hope’

Aakash Hassan, a 27-year-old who has been unable to participate in career opportunities or fellowships after allegedly being put on a ‘no-fly’ list since 2022, said the new government should up on how press freedom has been muzzled and make attempts to thwart restrictive tactics.

“They have specifically mentioned how journalists were targeted in their campaign rallies and party manifesto. I do not know how keen they are after forming the government now but I personally have hope and I expect the government to take up this issue with the central government in Delhi as well.”

Journalists who moved to academic careers abroad are unsure whether they can travel home and return to their teaching jobs since they feel uncertain about the possibility of being allowed to travel.

“It is too early to process and there is no clarity on whether there is a change in the policy. Hope the harassment stops but maybe it will continue,” said an academician wishing anonymity.

For journalist Azaan Javaid, the expectations with the new government are limited because of the track record of successive governments in cracking down on journalists especially at the time of protests. He says the belief that journalism is part of the Kashmir problem goes back to even before August 2019.

“In the past five years, journalists, politicians and the civil society sailed in the same boat due to the situation. The issue is that many of the politicians have been able to gain some power after elections while journalists are still grappling with the events that set off in 2019. I just hope this government remembers what disempowerment means and that they do not disappoint those who have put their faith in them.”

Sajjad Haider, editor of Kashmir Observer, said a change in government will not make a difference for the media fraternity. “Whenever there is a regime change, every government has its own favourites and successive governments in Kashmir have been playing this up. I don’t see much of a difference and this government will oblige some and may victimise others as they have been doing in the past.”

“There seems to be no clear understanding, as governments appear to view the media's role solely as part of the PR machinery.”

‘Verification regime’

The past five years under the UT administration, following the unilateral abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A on August 5, 2019, have been marked by diminishing press freedom, with raids, summons, intimidation and arrests becoming a norm. Several journalists receive calls from the security agencies seeking personal and professional details.

Senior journalist Hilal Mir, who has worked with prominent dailies like Hindustan Times and Greater Kashmir, argues that as long as fear persists among journalists, there is little for either the media or the public to celebrate.

“The ban on the movement of media professionals has not only impacted their work but the lives of people and working of the institutions. There is fear when people speak or write and it is not a sign of restoration of normalcy or democracy. Even if it is beyond their limits, the new political dispensation should try to restore journalism so that truth and transparency is restored,” Mir said.

There are at least a dozen journalists, including Mir, whose electronic gadgets including mobile phones, laptops, hard-drives and other memory sticks remain confiscated. They do not seek them back fearing reprisal. Most journalists want to remain unnoticed, due to consequences faced by those who were noticed for their work.

Remember promise, says JKNC

JKNC, which swept most of the assembly seats in the valley, had made commitments to restore press freedom during their campaign rallies while acknowledging challenges faced by journalists in their party manifesto.

The party’s chief spokesperson and social media incharge Tanveer Sadiq said that his party remembers the promise of upholding the freedom of the press. He said that the new government is a popular one and will work to restore the dignity of journalists in the same manner that existed earlier. “It is the fourth pillar of democracy and we want it to thrive and there should be no restriction on the pen which is mightier than anything else. Journalists have faced hurdles in their work and it should be eased out and make sure that they do their duty without any fear or favour.”

At least two journalists – Irfan Mehraj and Majid Hyderi – continue to languish in jails under controversial laws like the Public Safety Act and the UAPA. There is no actual figure of the number of journalists who continue to be on no-fly lists or may have passport issues, and for many journalists on the ground, the situation is bleak.

However, in his first speech as the new chief minister, Omar Abdullah, during a party convention in Jammu, assured that his government will not be harsh with the media fraternity. “There will be no injustice, and you will not be punished for writing something against me. Even though I may find it difficult to read, I might not enjoy reading or watching it, but in a democracy, we cannot strengthen democracy if we do not allow the media to do its job.”

He said the institution of journalism will be “strengthened” and the issue of accreditation or registration will be resolved.

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