IIOJK ranked as one of world’s most dangerous places for journalists: report

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd May, 2026) On World Press Freedom Day 2026, a report highlights that journalists in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) face one of the most restrictive environments globally, characterized by state surveillance, harassment and legal intimidation under harsh laws.

This repressive atmosphere continues to stifle independent journalism, putting reporters at constant risk.

According to a report compiled by Kashmir Media Service Editor Raies Ahmed Mir on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on Sunday, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir remains one of the most dangerous places in the world for media professionals, who continue to perform their duties under extremely difficult circumstances.

As of May 2026, press freedom in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) continues to deteriorate, with independent journalism facing severe pressure from the BJP-led government. Journalists are subjected to state surveillance, harassment and legal intimidation under draconian laws, creating a climate of fear and

self-censorship.

The ongoing repression stands in stark contrast to the values celebrated on International Press Freedom Day, which calls for the protection of media independence, freedom of expression, and the right to access information.

Despite this, local journalists persist in their efforts to report on critical issues at great personal

risk.

The situation has worsened since August 2019, with the BJP government employing strong-arm tactics to stifle independent journalism in the region. Journalists are frequently questioned about their sources, face equipment confiscation, and endure legal actions for publishing content deemed "anti-national."

Many are coerced into signing undertakings pledging not to publish any material critical of the government, its policies, or the political situation in Kashmir.

These tactics have led to a widespread “chilling effect” on press freedom, with local newsrooms shrinking, young journalists facing limited opportunities, and independent reporting becoming increasingly difficult.

Reports from international press organizations highlight the escalating repression, with India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index slipping further.

In 2026, India ranked 157th out of 180 countries, a decline from 151st the previous year. Kashmir's situation is cited as a significant factor contributing to this drop, as journalists there face threats, arrests and severe restrictions on their work. Local political leaders have raised alarms about the erosion of media freedoms in the region, noting that despite these pressures, journalists continue to expose the harsh realities of life in Kashmir, often under direct threat.

Several prominent journalists have faced violence, detention, and harassment while reporting on sensitive issues in IIOJK. Journalists like Irfan Meraj, Akanksha Saxena, and Khalid Khan have been recognized for their efforts, but their work has also subjected them to continued repression.

Meraj' prolonged incarceration has drawn attention to the use of national security laws, such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), to silence dissent and undermine independent journalism. The international community has called for his release, highlighting the politically motivated nature of his detention and the broader pattern of repression against media and civil society in the region.

Despite increasing victimization and harassment, Kashmiri journalists remain resilient, with local press bodies continuing to advocate for press freedom.

However, the criminalization of journalism and the increasing violence against reporters raise serious concerns about the future of media freedom in India.

The global community, including organizations like Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders, has repeatedly urged Indian authorities to respect press freedoms, end harassment, and ensure accountability for crimes committed against journalists. Without significant change, India risks further deterioration of its democratic standing on the world stage.