Journalists in Kashmir have said that police crackdown on media has increased during the nationwide lockdown to combat the coronavirus. On 20 April, the Kashmir police booked the photojournalist Masrat Zahra under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, allegedly for posting her reported work to social media. The police also registered an FIR against Peerzada Ashiq, a special correspondent for The Hindu.
Since August 2019, when the Indian government abrogated Kashmir’s special status under Article 370, journalists in the Valley have faced exceptionally hostile circumstances. For months, they had no access to internet services, and were limited to one media facilitation centre run by the government. Journalists reported constant harassment by security forces, including beating and arrests. Security forces also raided a journalist's home. While 2G internet services have been restored, the media's struggle continues.
Note: A title card in the video carries an incorrect spelling for Sanna Irshad Mattoo’s last name. The Caravan regrets the error.