Srinagar: Journalist Federation Kashmir (JFK) strongly advocates immediate release of Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj, who is languishing in jail for two years (730 days) now.
The detention of an outstanding journalist remains one of the most pressing issues affecting media freedom in Kashmir, the federation said in a statement on Thursday.
Mehraj was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 20, 2023 and has since been held in a jail in Delhi. His arrest has been widely condemned by media organisations and human rights groups worldwide, particularly by those committed to upholding democracy and press freedom.
An award-winning journalist and researcher Mehraj has carried out his professional duties with diligence. His work has appeared in national and international media outlets such as Deutsche Welle (DW), The Caravan, and Himal Magazine. He has also contributed to local news dailies, including Brighter Kashmir and Rising Kashmir.
While he was in jail, Meraj received a prestigious international award for a story he has done on drug crisis in Kashmir.
“JFK reiterates that for democracy to thrive, a free and vibrant press must flourish alongside it. Authorities must ensure a conducive environment for journalists, allowing them to report facts on the ground and express their opinions on social media without fear or threat of arrest,” the statement said.
JFK has previously expressed serious concerns over the targeting of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir, viewing it as part of a broader strategy to undermine truth and accountability, particularly within the region’s institutions, it said.
Former Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, while in office, has said, “Journalists are the eyes and ears of the people and…independent journalism is the backbone of democracy.”
The Supreme Court of India in a ruling said, “India’s freedom will rest safe as long as…journalists can speak truth to power without being chilled by a threat of reprisal.”
