by Hammad Baloch 9 October 2023
In the world’s largest democracy, the right to a free press has long been celebrated as a cornerstone of democratic values and the linchpin of a vibrant civil society. India’s media landscape has historically been characterized by its diversity, with a multitude of voices, opinions, and perspectives. However, recent events have cast a shadow over this proud legacy, raising alarming concerns about the state of press freedom in the country.
One glaring example that has garnered international attention is the abrupt blocking of “The Kashmir Walla,” an independent news outlet known for its impartial reporting and fearless coverage of events in the volatile Kashmir region. On August 19, the outlet’s team woke up to the shocking revelation that Indian authorities had blocked its website and social media accounts. This unprecedented move effectively severed the connection between this outlet and its Indian audience, leaving many perplexed about the motivations behind this sudden act. The justification for this action, according to Indian authorities, was the order of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the IT Act, 2000. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the decision and the absence of a formal notice or explanation have left “The Kashmir Walla” and the broader public in a state of uncertainty. This incident is a stark reminder that the freedom of the press, a fundamental pillar of democracy, is facing significant challenges in India.
“The Kashmir Walla” is not alone in facing these challenges. Its experiences mirror those of other Kashmiri journalists who have been targeted and persecuted for their work. The revocation of the region’s special status in 2019 marked a turning point, leading to a series of arrests, interrogations, and investigations into the journalistic endeavors of many in the region. Anti-terror laws, particularly the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), have been invoked to stifle dissent and silence independent media outlets. “NewsClick,” another prominent independent media organization, recently faced a series of alarming actions. Raids were conducted, and its founder, Prabir Purkayastha, along with its human resources head, Amit Chakravarty, were arrested. These developments underscore the Indian government’s resolve to clamp down on free press and systematically quash voices of dissent.
What further compounds the situation is the misuse of financial regulations as tools to target both media organizations and non-profit entities. Laws like the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), initially enacted to combat money laundering and regulate foreign funding, have been weaponized to curtail the activities of critics and limit their resources. The arbitrary cancellation of thousands of NGO licenses under FCRA without clear reasons raises serious questions about the government’s true intentions. India’s adherence to international standards and commitments, particularly those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), is of paramount importance. While FATF primarily seeks to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, it explicitly recognizes the need to safeguard fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, religion, and peaceful assembly. India’s recent actions, particularly its failure to align its legal framework with FATF guidelines, demand international scrutiny.
The implications of these developments extend far beyond the boundaries of India. They jeopardize the core values of democracy and transparency, hindering public access to unbiased information and diverse viewpoints. Journalists and media outlets now operate under the shadow of stringent laws and the looming threat of imprisonment, a chilling prospect that can lead to self-censorship and diminished democratic discourse. As India approaches its fourth round of mutual evaluations by FATF, the international community must closely monitor the situation. The FATF, as a global watchdog, must hold Indian authorities accountable for the misuse of its recommendations to suppress civil society and human rights defenders.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by “The Kashmir Walla,” “NewsClick,” and other independent media outlets in India serve as a wake-up call for anyone who values the principles of truth, transparency, and freedom of expression. Press freedom is not solely India’s responsibility; it is a shared global imperative. The world must unite to protect and preserve this essential pillar of democracy, ensuring that the light of an independent and free press continues to shine brightly in the world’s largest democracy.