Post by : Rameen Ariff

NEW DELHI – Late Thursday, Indian counter-terrorism forces executed a raid as part of an investigation into alleged illegal activities, according to official sources. This operation comes as scrutiny intensifies on entities believed to have connections with separatist or anti-national organizations within and beyond Jammu and Kashmir.

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) indicated that the search was aimed at a media outlet over its supposed involvement in a “criminal conspiracy with secessionist and other anti-national groups.” During the raid, authorities reportedly confiscated a revolver, live ammunition, and spent bullet cartridges, suggesting further inquiry is warranted. Additionally, the residence of the outlet's owner was also searched.

In response, the media establishment labeled the claims as “groundless” and asserted that the targeted office has remained inactive for the last four years. On Friday, the outlet stated that the allegations were “intended to intimidate, discredit, and silence” their publication. Since 2022, the outlet has functioned solely online following the closure of a previous office.

This raid comes in the wake of broader security measures in the area following a deadly car explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, attributed by authorities to a Kashmiri suicide bomber. No official links have been established between the Delhi incident and the media office raid.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has voiced concerns about the raid, stating it is “profoundly alarming” and highlighting increasing pressure on media entities in Jammu and Kashmir. Since the revocation of partial autonomy for the region in 2019, numerous journalists have encountered harassment, detentions, and raids on their properties.

Authorities have reiterated that the investigation remains active and further measures will be implemented if ties to anti-national or extremist factions are substantiated.

#Global