Prominent national and international press organizations, including the Press Club of India (PCI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and DIGIPUB News India Foundation, have condemned the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) administration's threat of legal action against The Chenab Times, a digital news outlet based in Jammu and Kashmir. The criticism stems from a letter issued by the District Information Office (DIO) in Doda, warning of legal consequences over the outlet’s video report on the detention of activist Rehamatullah under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The video report by Raja Shakeel, posted on The Chenab Times’ social media platforms, highlighted the detention of Rehamatullah, a Doda-based activist known for raising civic issues. The report noted that this was the second time he was booked under the PSA. While the outlet claims the report adhered to legal norms and included the administration's perspective, the district authorities alleged it was “irrelevant,” prejudicial to the due process of law, and capable of creating public disorder.
PCI and CPJ Call for Press Freedom
The Press Club of India took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the incident, stating, "It has become a new normal of the government to muzzle the press." The organization urged the J&K government to sensitize its officials about the role of media in a democracy, stressing that such threats undermine press freedom.
The Press Club of India condemns the J&K government’s threat of legal action against The Chenab Times over report on an activist detained under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
— Press Club of India (@PCITweets) November 15, 2024
It has become a new normal of the government to muzzle the press.
We urge the Jammu & Kashmir government…
Similarly, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Asia issued a strong statement condemning the government’s actions. "Authorities must cease harassing the outlet’s journalists in retaliation for their work," CPJ tweeted. Highlighting the newly elected J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's commitment to restoring the region’s statehood, CPJ called on him to fulfill his electoral promise to uphold press freedom.
CPJ condemns the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir government’s threat of legal action against @TheChenabTimes following the outlet’s video report on the detention of a Doda-based activist. Authorities must cease harassing the outlet’s journalists in retaliation for their… https://t.co/OixQz1KoXy
— CPJ Asia (@CPJAsia) November 14, 2024
Journalists and DIGIPUB Express Solidarity
Prominent journalist Raqib Hameed Naik expressed his support for The Chenab Times on X, writing, “Authorities must stop harassing and intimidating *The Chenab Times* staff. As the only source of objective reporting in the Chenab Valley, it’s clear why there are attempts to shut it down."
Authorities must stop harassing and intimidating @TheChenabTimes staff.
— Raqib Hameed Naik (@raqib_naik) November 14, 2024
As the only source of objective reporting in the Chenab Valley, it’s clear why there are attempts to shut it down.
In complete support and solidarity, @AnzerAyoob https://t.co/rdnBsYHv16
Salman Anees Soz, a noted political commentator, also weighed in, warning that targeting journalists for the "tone and content" of their work could erode democracy. "A healthy democracy will maximize freedoms, especially of the press. This is not healthy," Soz wrote.
If governments across India start initiating legal action against journalists the "tone and content" of their work, then journalism will simply die. A healthy democracy will maximize freedoms, especially of the press. This is not healthy. @diprjk https://t.co/PdhX0MyvBn
— Salman Anees Soz (@SalmanSoz) November 15, 2024
DIGIPUB News India Foundation, a coalition of independent digital media platforms, also raised serious concerns over the threat to The Chenab Times. The foundation called it an attempt to stifle press freedom and emphasized that the media must be allowed to report without intimidation or fear of legal repercussions.
DIGIPUB Condemns Threat Of Legal Action Against The Chenab Times pic.twitter.com/DiPfDDGLwV
— DIGIPUB News India Foundation (@DigipubIndia) November 15, 2024
Background of the Case
The Chenab Times’ 16-minute video report detailed the alleged misuse of the PSA against Rehamatullah, who had been detained for the second time. The outlet claimed the report was balanced and factual, including the district administration’s perspective. The administration, however, accused the report of “portraying the district’s administrative procedures in a bad light” and spreading “rumors.”
Press Freedom Under Threat?
This incident highlights the growing concerns over press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir, where journalists often face harassment and intimidation. Legal experts and press bodies have pointed out that threatening legal action against journalists for their work undermines the democratic values of transparency and accountability.
As calls for action grow louder, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has pledged to uphold press freedom as part of his governance agenda. Whether these promises translate into tangible support for independent journalism remains to be seen.