J&K: Why SIA raided Kashmir Times? Newspaper responds to baseless allegations

New Delhi: The office of the daily newspaper, Kashmir Times (KT), in Jammu was raided on Thursday by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Authorities allege that the publication has been engaged in "anti-national activities, propagating disaffection against the country, and supporting terrorist ideologies".

Official sources revealed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed, specifically naming Anuradha Bhasin, the Editor of Kashmir Times, in connection with these serious charges. According to the sources, the investigation is reportedly focused on examining her alleged involvement in activities deemed to "threaten the sovereignty" of India.

SIA claims ammunition recovered

Adding a concerning dimension to the raid, SIA sources claimed that during the search of the newspaper's office, a few rounds of AK-47 rifle and pistol ammunition, along with a grenade lever, were recovered.

Kashmir Times calls it a deliberate attempt to silence their publication

In a strong rebuttal, the management of The Kashmir Times vehemently condemned the raids and accusations, labelling them as "baseless" and a deliberate attempt to silence their publication. "Criticising the government is not the same as being inimical to the state. In fact, it is the very opposite," the KT management stated in a press release.

They asserted that a robust, questioning press is fundamental to a healthy democracy and that their work of holding power accountable, investigating corruption, and amplifying marginalised voices ultimately strengthens the nation, rather than weakening it.

Highlighting its long-standing commitment to independent journalism, the newspaper reminded the public that since 1954, Kashmir Times, founded by Ved Bhasin, has been a stalwart in chronicling the region's complexities with "equal rigour."

 We have asked difficult questions when others remained silent: KT

They emphasised their role in giving voice to the unheard and asking difficult questions when others remained silent. The Kashmir Times management believes they are being targeted precisely for continuing this critical work, standing as one of the few independent outlets willing to "speak truth to power" in an era where critical voices are increasingly scarce. "We have given voice to communities that would otherwise go unheard. We have asked difficult questions when others remained silent," the newspaper said further.

CPJ condemns SIA raid

Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the raid at the Kashmir Times office, saying that the raid is deeply "troubling and raises concerns about increasing pressure on media outlets in Jammu and Kashmir”. "Authorities must clearly explain the legal basis for this action and ensure that any investigation is conducted with transparency and full respect for due process. News outlets should not face punitive action simply for doing their journalistic work,” said CPJ’s Asia-Pacific Program Coordinator Kunal Majumder.

The newspaper's statement further articulated that the accusations are "designed to intimidate, to delegitimise, and ultimately to silence." However, the newspaper declared, "We will not be silenced."

They issued a fervent call to authorities to "immediately cease this harassment, withdraw these unfounded allegations, and respect the constitutional guarantees of press freedom."

Journalism is not a crime, and accountability is not treason

The Kashmir Times also appealed to its media colleagues to stand in solidarity. The paper urged civil society and citizens who value their right to information to recognise the gravity of the situation, viewing it as a test of whether journalism can survive in an environment of "increasing authoritarianism." "We call on our colleagues in the media to stand with us. We call on civil society, on citizens who value their right to know, to recognise that this moment is a test of whether journalism can survive in an environment of increasing authoritarianism," the statement reads further.

The statement concluded with a powerful assertion, "Journalism is not a crime. Accountability is not treason. And we will continue to inform, investigate, and advocate for those who depend on us. The state may have the power to raid our offices. But it cannot raid our commitment to the truth."

The newspaper also mentioned that their print edition was suspended between 2021-2022 due to "relentless targeting," but they continue to operate digitally, with all their reporting and writing available on kashmirtimes.com.