As the world marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2026, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993, the plight of journalists in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir remained largely overlooked. The territory remains one of the most dangerous and restricted places in the world for media professionals, where intimidation, surveillance, and the consistent threat of reprisals have become part of everyday journalistic work.

Journalists in IIOJK, despite threats, continue to perform their duties. Reports leading up to May 3, 2026, indicate that press freedom in the territory has continued to decline, with independent journalism under severe pressure from the BJP-led governor rule. Since the revocation of the state’s special status in 2019, the state of journalism and working conditions of journalists in IIOJK has deteriorated significantly.

According to the recent reports Journalists face summons, interrogation, and coercion, and are often asked to sign undertakings pledging not to publish content critical of the BJP government, ongoing atrocities, or political injustices following the illegal and military abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. The BJP-led Indian government is using coercive measures to suppress the media in the disputed territory. Journalists have reportedly been questioned about their sources.

Many journalists have also had their equipment confiscated........

© Pakistan Observer