The recent directive from the Department of Information in Jammu and Kashmir, requesting detailed background information on journalists, including salary slips for the past six months, has provoked significant criticism among journalists in the Valley. Many view this move as a new form of harassment amid ongoing challenges faced by the press.
On October 31, The Indian Express reported that, citing “repeated complaints” from field officers, the Joint Director of Information in Kashmir instructed all district information officers (DIO) to enhance vigilance. They were tasked with regularly updating a verified list of accredited and authorized media personnel operating within their districts.
The directive emphasized the necessity to monitor and promptly report any misuse of media credentials or coercion, particularly aimed at those seeking to malign individuals or institutions for personal or financial gain.
In conversations with various journalists, some acknowledged that while unverified social media outlets have indeed misused funds and disseminated misinformation, traditional journalism remains vulnerable as well. An independent journalist, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that they had been contacted for specifics regarding their employment and compensation. “They asked me why I was writing anti-national articles, to which I responded that we are only reporting facts,” the journalist remarked.
Adil Hussain, another independent journalist based in Srinagar, noted that although collecting information on journalists is not a new practice, this specific order targets “social media journalists.” “Calls by officials from the Information Department occur annually. This year, however, the proliferation of unverified portals may be influencing this approach. On the upside, it could lead to increased scrutiny of those who either underpay their employees or do not pay them at all,” he stated.
Hussain also expressed concern that this directive would categorize independent journalists differently from those employed by established outlets, making them more susceptible to harassment.
District Information Officers have been instructed to collaborate closely with deputy commissioners and police in instances of reported misconduct, facilitating coordinated legal and administrative action. Furthermore, DIOs must provide a “periodical vigilance note” detailing any such incidents, field feedback, and preventive measures.
Gafira Qadir, an independent journalist, explained that the existing paranoia among Kashmiri journalists could be exacerbated by this order. She noted that many independent journalists rely on grants and fellowships, and “there is no salary receipt for them.” Qadir argued that the directive implies any criticism of the state could be considered financially motivated, potentially presenting even legitimate payments from foreign publications as anti-national activities.
In Kashmir, journalists already contend with significant censorship, with many feeling compelled to limit their reporting to safeguard their families.
The order also requires journalists to submit a range of credentials, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, appointment letters, the contact details of their organizations, six months’ salary or bank statements, academic qualifications, and links to social media pages of their respective outlets.
The Press Club of Kashmir expressed its concerns over the directive. A spokesperson stated the organization is “worried about the negative narrative surrounding the recent order issued by the Omar government, aimed at weeding out ‘fake, uneducated self-styled journalists’ from Kashmir’s media landscape.” The spokesperson condemned the order, suggesting it emerged following a “one-sided” article published in a prominent newspaper.
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