SRINAGAR: Six years after its autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) was revoked, it become an ‘information black hole’ as reliable news on the area is scarce while mediaperson who strive to keep the public informed do so under constant pressure, danger and severe obstacles to their work.
Reporters Sans Borders (RSF) is once again sounding the alarm to the scale of the press freedom violations occurring in this region and calls on the authorities to restore an environment where independent journalism is possible.
J&K is one of the most militarized regions in the world and voices critical of the authorities have been intensely repressed since August 2019, when its autonomy was revoked.
The press freedom situation further deteriorated during the clashes between India and Pakistan in May 2025 that followed the Pahalgam attack, notably with the arrest on 7 May of independent journalist Hilal Mir over a Facebook post deemed subversive. In addition, several media outlets were blocked on X, including Maktoob Media, Free Press Kashmir and The Kashmiriyat.
In this oppressive climate, reporters who still attempt to do their job remain under constant surveillance and risk arrest and reprisals when they tackle subjects considered sensitive, such as abuses by security forces.
Their sources remain silent out of fear and deprived of stable internet access — and, at times, press cards — and regularly summoned by the police, journalists increasingly work in isolation.
“Media professionals in J&K operate in a climate of permanent intimidation, marked by severe restrictions and constant psychological pressure. This threatening reality endangers both their safety and the public’s access to free and independent information, in a region that has become an information black hole in India.
RSF urges the local authorities to respect press freedom, guarantee the free practice of journalism and reporters’ safety, and allow independent media to operate in Jammu and Kashmir.
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