New Delhi: The “arbitrary” blocking of access to the website and social media handles of the news outlet The Kashmir Walla “raises serious questions about the state of press freedom and freedom of expression in our democratic nation”, said media bodies.The Press Club of India, Indian Women Press Corps, Press Association, Delhi Union of Journalists, the Editors Guild of India, and Working News Cameraman Association issued a statement on Thursday, August 24, demanding “immediate restoration” of access to the websites and social media handles of the news outlet. They also condemned the blocking of access to the social media handles of Gaon Savera, a news outlet.“The Press Club of India and the undersigned media bodies as institutions dedicated to upholding the principles of free speech, independent journalism, and the democratic values of our country, find the blocking of Kashmir Walla‘s digital platforms unilaterally without citing any reason deeply alarming. The act of blocking access without any prior notice, official communication, or an opportunity for the concerned party to address any grievances is a clear violation of the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution,” the statement said.The media bodies also said the arrest of the editor of Kashmir Walla “without transparent justification” sends a “chilling message” to journalists across the country. They appealed to the government to allow media professionals to carry out their work without fear of retribution or intimidation.The action against the Kashmir news outlet comes at a time when its editor Fahad Shah has remained incarcerated in a Jammu jail for 18 months on terrorism charges, while Sajad Gul, a trainee reporter with the outlet, is also languishing in a prison in Uttar Pradesh from January 2022 under the Public Safety Act.Meanwhile, the social media handles of the independent news website Gaon Savera were blocked this week. The website’s Twitter page was withheld in India on Tuesday, August 22, while its Facebook page has remained inaccessible since Monday. The website provides news and perspectives on rural life and agriculture.Mandeep Punia, the editor of Gaon Savera, told The Newslaundry that the government’s action is linked to the ongoing farmer protests in Punjab, which Gaon Savera has been covering in-depth.“The government takes action when you start providing concrete information about the rural crisis. They don’t want you to report on how farmers and workers are mobilising to combat this rural crisis,” Punia added.“The Guild is disturbed by the censorship measures undertaken by MeitY, without following due processes and against principles of natural justice. In the judgment of Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India had expressly laid down that all reasonable efforts must be made to identify and notify the people whose information is sought to be blocked before access is restricted, as well as a right to appeal,” said the Editors Guild of India in a statement.“The Guild urges the ministry to release the orders of suspension in the public domain, and to follow due processes laid down by the Supreme Court,” it added.
