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January 20, 2026 – Kashmir –
Several Kashmiri journalists working for prominent Indian national newspapers have been summoned by Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police in recent days in a move that press advocates and political figures describe as an attempt to intimidate and suppress independent reporting in the region. The actions centre on coverage of a controversial police exercise to collect detailed information on mosques and their management in the Valley, a topic that has sparked political and community concern.
On January 14, 2026, Bashaarat Masood, a senior journalist with The Indian Express based in Srinagar, was repeatedly summoned to the Cyber Police Station, where officials attempted to have him sign a bond under Section 126 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita committing not to disturb peace—linked authorities, as they said, to his reporting on reactions to the mosque profiling exercise. Masood refused to sign the bond and was made to report to the station on multiple days.
At least four journalists from national publications, including a Hindustan Times correspondent, received summons in connection with reporting on the same issue. In some cases, authorities did not initially provide written reasons for the summons, prompting media organisations to seek formal documentation before responding.
Journalists in Kashmir told media outlets they have faced frequent questioning by police and security agencies over routine reporting, social media posts, sources, and editorial decisions, contributing to an atmosphere of uncertainty and self-censorship among local reporters. Some said they feared reprisals, surveillance or legal entanglements following their coverage.
The Press Club of Kashmir and veteran journalists have criticised the summons, characterising them as attempts to deter coverage of sensitive subjects and exert control over media narratives. Observers noted that being asked to commit to undertakings or bonds not to publish certain types of stories represents a worrying precedent for press freedom in the Union Territory.
Political parties in J&K have also weighed in, condemning the police actions as intimidating and inconsistent with democratic norms, and calling on authorities to refrain from targeting journalists for lawful reporting on public interest issues. Critics argue that such interventions risk stifling independent journalism and undermining the free flow of information in a region already marked by complex security and political dynamics.
Reference –
https://thewire.in/media/kashmiri-journalists-summoned-police
