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May 09, 2025 – India/Pakistan-
On May 6, 2025, Hilal Mir, a veteran journalist from Srinagar, was detained by the Counter-Intelligence Kashmir (CIK) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Authorities allege that Mir disseminated “extremist and distorted content” on social media, aiming to disturb public order and promote secessionist ideology.
The detention centers around a Facebook post shared by Mir on May 1, which featured a photograph of an elderly woman amidst debris, reportedly from homes demolished by security forces in south Kashmir. Accompanying the image was a poem reflecting on the suffering of Kashmiris. Police claim the post incited sentiments among young minds and portrayed Kashmiris as victims of systemic extermination, thereby instigating secessionist sentiment.
During the arrest, digital devices, including a mobile phone and a laptop, were seized. Preliminary inspections reportedly revealed access to radical accounts and incriminating materials. Authorities also allege that Mir was in contact with foreign-based cell numbers involved in suspicious activities, suggesting possible external influence.
Mir has an extensive journalistic career spanning over two decades, having worked with local and national publications such as Greater Kashmir and Hindustan Times. He has also contributed to international outlets, including Turkey’s Anadolu Agency and TRT World.
The police statement referred to Mir as a “radical social media user,” omitting any mention of his journalistic background. This omission has raised concerns among press freedom advocates, who view the detention as part of a broader pattern of suppressing journalistic voices in the region. Media watchdogs have previously highlighted the increasing challenges faced by journalists in Kashmir, including detentions and interrogations.
As of now, Mir remains in custody, and further investigations are underway. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between state authorities and the press in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting the delicate balance between national security concerns and freedom of expression.
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