NEW DELHI – India’s government is muzzling Kashmir’s media as part of thelockdown it imposed on the disputed region a month ago, according to a newreport by two rights networks.
The study comes after Delhi revoked Kashmir’s special autonomy on August 5and sent in tens of thousands of extra troops to reinforce the half amillion already there.
Published earlier this week, the study said reporters were being subjectedto surveillance, informal investigations and harassment for publishingreports considered adverse to the government or security forces.
Titled “News Behind The Barbed Wire”, its findings reveal “a grim anddespairing picture of the media in Kashmir, fighting for survival againstthe most incredible of odds.”
It also highlighted that recent editorials in major Kashmir papers coveredonly harmless topics, such on the benefits of Vitamin A and “Should youconsume caffeine during summer?”
“This is intrinsically undemocratic and harmful, as it privileges thevoices of authority and weakens those who speak truth to power,” the reportsaid of the situation faced by the media in Kashmir.
Published by the Network of Women in Media, India and the Free SpeechCollective, the report was prepared by two journalists who spent five daysin Indian Kashmir and spoke to more than 70 journalists, localadministration officials and citizens.
An official in the Information and Broadcast Ministry told AFP on Friday itcould not offer any immediate comments as it had yet to see the report.
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The government has also restricted movement and curtailed phone andinternet services, ostensibly to control unrest in a region whereseparatists have waged an armed rebellion against Indian rule since 1989.
The Indian government says bringing Kashmir under its direct rule willboost the economy and generate more jobs. It also insists the situation iscalm and normal and that the curbs are being eased gradually.
Since August 5, at least 500 protests and incidents of stone throwing haveoccurred and some 4,000 people have been detained, according to multiplesources.
Five civilians have also died, the army said this week, blaming the deathson stone-pelters and militants.
The Kashmir move has enraged neighbouring Pakistan which also claims theregion.
Kashmir has been the spark for two major wars and countless clashes betweenthe two nuclear-armed arch-rivals. -APP/AFP
