India censorship raises concerns amid military tensions with Pakistan
India faces sharp criticism for censoring news media amid rising military tensions with Pakistan, Jurist News reported citing Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The RSF South Asia head, Célia Mercier, condemned the Indian government’s blocking of online media and social media accounts, calling it a severe breach of the public’s right to reliable information.
This crackdown follows the arrest of freelance journalist Hilal Mir for allegedly spreading “anti-national content” regarding Kashmir policies. The government also ordered the blocking of over 8,000 X (formerly Twitter) accounts, including international news outlets, and restricted 16 Pakistani YouTube channels such as Dawn News.
The Indian news portal The Wire was briefly blocked after publishing an article on India’s Rafale fighter jet but was later unblocked; the outlet plans a legal challenge citing press freedom violations. These actions intensified after a civilian massacre in Kashmir on April 22 and India’s launch of Operation Sindoor against Pakistan on May 7. The 2024-2025 South Asia Press Freedom Report highlights ongoing threats to journalists, including harassment, surveillance, and raids, despite India’s slight improvement in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index.
