Journalist Assaulted by BJP Workers While Covering Protest Over Pahalgam Attack

A journalist in Jammu and Kashmir was recently assaulted by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers while covering a protest in Kathua over a terror attack in Pahalgam. The attack, which occurred on April 24, 2025, took place during a BJP rally where party members were voicing their concerns over security lapses following the Pahalgam incident. The journalist, who was covering the event, was reportedly beaten by BJP workers after he questioned the party’s response to the attack and the security measures in place in the region.

The journalist recounted that the assailants accused him of “disrupting the protest” and attempted to intimidate him for asking pointed questions about the security situation in Pahalgam. They reportedly wanted to “teach him a lesson” for his critical inquiry, highlighting the growing trend of media hostility in politically charged environments.

This assault is a part of a broader pattern of aggression against journalists in India, where reporters often face harassment, physical violence, and legal threats for their work. While the BJP has consistently touted its support for national security, the incident reveals the underlying tensions between political figures and journalists who attempt to question or investigate government actions. The attack also raises concerns about the safety of journalists in conflict-prone areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, where journalists often find themselves caught between reporting the truth and navigating the risks posed by political and extremist groups.

The journalist’s assault in Kathua has sparked outrage among press freedom advocates, who have called for accountability and greater protections for media workers in India. This incident also underscores the challenges journalists face in reporting on sensitive issues like national security, where the stakes are high, and the risks of retaliation are significant. As the incident gains attention, the question of how India can ensure a safe environment for journalists remains a pressing issue.