Harassment of journalists in Kashmir has continued in the form of newsroom raids, registration of FIRs, seizure of electronic devices and increased surveillance. In a recent case, senior journalist Jehangir Ali of news portal The Wire faced police action after officers entered his residence without a warrant and confiscated his mobile phone.
In a statement issued on Thursday, The Wire said police personnel from Budgam arrived at Ali’s home on Wednesday evening. The publication alleged that the officers did not explain the reason for their visit or share details of any FIR, warrant or court order before seizing his phone.
The statement further pointed out that the police failed to follow Supreme Court guidelines and established procedures for handling electronic evidence, as they did not provide the hash value of the seized device. It said recording the hash value is crucial to ensure that data on a device is not altered while it remains in custody, Maktoob Media reported.
Ali, who has extensively reported on human rights issues in the region, was described by The Wire as being targeted because of his investigative work. The publication noted that the seizure took place shortly after he reported on alleged corruption and nepotism linked to the Ratle hydropower project in Kishtwar. It added that Ali was working on another investigation related to the same project at the time of the police action.
Reacting to the incident, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party leader Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X, “Allegations of brazen corruption & nepotism against BJP MLAs in the Kishtwar Power project were only recently brought to light by The Wire’s Jehangir Ali. Today it comes as no surprise that his phone was illegally seized. Journalism is dying in Kashmir barring stenographers who parrot BJPs narrative”.
Journalists in the region have repeatedly reported intimidation and pressure over their work. While the confiscation of phones is not a new tactic, such incidents continue to raise concerns about press freedom and the safety of media professionals in Kashmir.