Journalism in occupied Kashmir under severe pressure: Hurriyat Leader Lone

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd May, 2026) Hurriyat leader Abdul Hameed Lone on Sunday said that the situation for journalism and media in occupied Kashmir is extremely concerning and under immense pressure, with journalists working under highly difficult circumstances.

In his statement on World Press Freedom Day, Lone said that since 1990, 22 journalists have lost their lives while performing their professional duties during the freedom struggle in the region.

"Working freely as a journalist in occupied Kashmir has become extremely difficult," Lone said. He alleged that Indian agencies and the military routinely harass journalists, conduct raids on their homes, and subject them to interrogation.

According to the Hurriyat leader, multiple Kashmiri journalists have been booked under charges of terrorism, sedition, and spreading false news.

Several journalists in occupied Kashmir have been imprisoned under harsh black laws.

Lone stated that more than a dozen journalists from occupied Jammu and Kashmir have left the valley due to fear and pressure. He also noted that international media have expressed concern over the restrictions imposed on the media in the region.

"Bringing facts to light has become dangerous for journalists in occupied Kashmir," he said. "Journalists in the valley practice self-censorship out of fear — they withhold news themselves."

Lone pointed out that Kashmiri journalists have been included in the global list of 10 immediate threats to press freedom. He also noted that India currently ranks 36th among 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index.