Introduction
On 20 November 2025, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu & Kashmir Police conducted a dramatic raid on the Kashmir Times’ Jammu office. Authorities allege that the newspaper was promoting anti-national activities. During the operation, SIA teams seized AK-47 cartridges, pistol rounds, and grenade pins — triggering a fierce backlash and raising questions about press freedom, sovereignty, and national security.
Details of the Raid
The raid was carried out early in the morning at the Kashmir Times’ head office on Residency Road, Jammu.
Security officials recovered 14 AK-47 cartridges, several pistol rounds, and three grenade levers/pins.
Computers, documents, and digital devices from the premises were also searched thoroughly.
An FIR was registered against Anuradha Bhasin, Executive Editor of Kashmir Times, under charges including spreading disaffection, glorifying secessionism, and threatening India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Response from Kashmir Times
Editors Anuradha Bhasin and Prabodh Jamwal strongly condemned the raid.
In a joint statement, they described the action as a “coordinated attempt to suppress independent journalism.”
They argued that criticising the government is not equivalent to being inimical to the state, and insisted that a “robust, questioning press” is essential to democracy.
The editors called for withdrawal of the charges and raised alarm about press freedom being under threat.
Political and Legal Implications
The raid took place in the context of a case registered under Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary reacted cautiously, saying legal action must be evidence-based: “If wrongdoing is established, action should follow. But not just to apply pressure.”
The SIA’s investigation is expected to examine Anuradha Bhasin’s alleged links and activities that are being framed as a threat to national integrity.
Press Freedom Concerns
Media observers and civil society have raised serious concerns. To many, this is not just a security operation — it is a potential sign of intimidation against a long-standing independent newspaper.
Kashmir Times, founded in 1954 by Ved Bhasin, has historically been seen as an independent voice in Jammu & Kashmir.
By targeting both physical infrastructure and digital records, critics warn that this could set a chilling precedent for free speech and dissent in the region.
Why This is a Big Deal
Sovereignty vs. Press Freedom: The case sits at the fraught intersection of national security and democratic rights.
Historical Significance: Kashmir Times is one of the oldest newspapers in the region with deep roots in independent journalism.
Digital vs Print: Though its print edition has faced challenges, Kashmir Times continues to operate digitally — and now its digital footprint may also be under scrutiny.
Public Reaction: This raid could prompt strong reactions from civil society, media groups, and international observers concerned about press freedom.
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FAQ
Q1: Why did the SIA raid the Kashmir Times office?
A1: The SIA alleges that Kashmir Times was involved in activities promoting disaffection and possibly secessionism. The investigation includes potential threats to India’s sovereignty, per the FIR filed against its editor.
Q2: What exactly was seized in the raid?
A2: Security agencies recovered 14 cartridges of AK-47, some pistol rounds, and three grenade levers/pins. They also searched computers and documents in the office.
Q3: Who is facing legal action?
A3: An FIR has been registered against Anuradha Bhasin, Executive Editor of Kashmir Times, under laws related to anti-national activity.
Q4: How has Kashmir Times reacted?
A4: The editors, Anuradha Bhasin and Prabodh Jamwal, strongly denounced the raid, calling it a coordinated attempt to silence independent journalism and undermine democratic dissent.
Q5: What are the broader implications for press freedom?
A5: Media organizations and civil society fear this could mark a dangerous precedent — that critical or dissenting media voices may be targeted under the guise of national security.
source credit : News Desk
Published on : 20th November
Published by : RAHAMATH
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