The State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted extensive raids at multiple locations in Jammu on Tuesday, targeting journalists and political workers, sparking widespread condemnation from major political parties in Jammu and Kashmir.
Political Outcry Over Press Intimidation
The National Conference (NC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly condemned the raids, calling them a deliberate attempt to silence the press and suppress dissenting voices in the region. The opposition parties expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating state of press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official sources, the SIA teams carried out simultaneous searches at seven different locations across Jammu district early Tuesday morning. The raids focused on residential premises of several individuals, including journalists associated with local media outlets and political workers connected to opposition parties.
Details of the Operation
The investigation agency executed these raids as part of an ongoing probe into what they described as 'anti-national activities.' However, political leaders questioned the timing and motive behind targeting media professionals, suggesting it was politically motivated ahead of important political developments in the region.
Senior leaders from both NC and PDP immediately issued statements criticizing the government's action. They emphasized that targeting journalists under the guise of security operations represents a dangerous precedent for democracy and freedom of expression in Jammu and Kashmir.
Growing Concerns About Democratic Space
Political analysts note this incident reflects broader concerns about the shrinking space for dissent and independent journalism in the region. The raids have raised questions about the use of investigative agencies against media professionals who report on sensitive issues.
The affected journalists maintain their professional integrity and deny any wrongdoing. Colleagues from the media fraternity have expressed solidarity with the raided journalists, calling for transparency in the investigation process and protection of press freedom.
This development comes amid increasing tensions in Jammu and Kashmir's political landscape, with opposition parties accusing the central government of using investigative agencies to target critics and silence opposition voices. The incident has sparked debates about democratic norms and the protection of fundamental rights in the region.
