The Journalist Federation of Kashmir (JFK) has called for the immediate release of Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj, who has now spent two years (730 days) in jail. Mehraj was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 20, 2023, and has been lodged in a Delhi jail since then.
JFK described Mehraj’s detention as a serious attack on press freedom in Kashmir. “The detention of an outstanding journalist remains one of the most pressing issues affecting media freedom in Kashmir,” the federation said in a statement.
Mehraj, an award-winning journalist and researcher, has worked with national and international media outlets, including Deutsche Welle (DW), The Caravan, and Himal Magazine. He has also contributed to local newspapers like Brighter Kashmir and Rising Kashmir. Even while in jail, Mehraj received an international award for his investigative report on drug abuse in Kashmir.
JFK said that democracy cannot survive without a free press. “Authorities must ensure a conducive environment for journalists, allowing them to report facts on the ground and express their opinions without fear of arrest,” the federation stated.
Former Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana had earlier stressed the importance of press freedom. “Journalists are the eyes and ears of the people… Independent journalism is the backbone of democracy,” he had said. The Supreme Court of India has also ruled that journalists must be able to speak truth to power without fear of reprisal.
PDP leader and Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti, also condemned Mehraj’s continued detention. “Two years since award-winning journalist & human rights defender Irfan Mehraj was arrested on ‘terror charges.’ Pity that this young man continues to be incarcerated & punished for upholding truth. When will the scales of justice prevail for countless Kashmiris languishing behind bars?” she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Human rights organizations and press freedom groups have repeatedly called for Mehraj’s release.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com.
