Political Outcry Over Withholding of Kashmir Life X Account

By
KL News Network
-
   

SRINAGAR: The decision to withhold the X (Twitter) account of Kashmir Life has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, who have described the move as an attack on press freedom. Lawmakers and political figures expressed their outrage over the suspension, calling for the immediate reinstatement of the news portal’s account.

Follow Us OnG-News | Whatsapp
X handle of Kashmir Life withheld in India

The official handle of the Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party, quoting former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, condemned the action, stating that the account of Kashmir Life, a prominent news organisation that has been operating for nearly two decades, was unjustly targeted alongside other independent news platforms. The account was withheld in India on May 11, 2025, with a standard message citing a legal demand.

Kashmir Life, now in its 17th year of continuous publication, expressed deep concern over the move, describing it as an “assault on free speech and constitutional guarantees.” The platform, which has amassed nearly 300,000 followers on X, has been a significant source of news and updates from the region.

Political figures swiftly condemned the move. The first to voice his dissent was MLA Doda, Mehraj Malik, who urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene. He said, “Withholding X accounts of @KashmirLife, @FreePressK, @TheKashmiriyat, and journalists like @AnuradhaBhasin_ and @MuzamilJaleel is a direct assault on press freedom. In times of tension, truth is vital. I urge CM @OmarAbdullah to intervene and uphold democratic values. #PressFreedom”

The second to raise his voice was Sheikh Khursheed, MLA from Langate, who posted on X, “The blocking of X accounts such as Kashmir Life, Free Press Kashmir & The Kashmiryat is a direct blow to press freedom. These outlets have been essential in providing ground-level reporting, reliable information, and amplifying local voices from Kashmir. This move undermines the fundamental right to freedom of expression. A true democracy upholds and safeguards independent journalism. I strongly urge the immediate reinstatement of these vital media platforms.” He tagged prominent figures, including @OmarAbdullah and @OfficeOfLGJandK, in his post.

Echoing these sentiments, Abrar Rashid, son of jailed MP Engineer Rashid, also took to X, writing, “The recent withholding of X accounts like Kashmir Life, Free Press Kashmir, and The Kashmiryat is an attack on press freedom. These platforms have served as vital sources of ground reporting, information, and local voices. The act violates the principles of freedom of expression. Democracy thrives when journalism is protected, not punished. I demand the immediate restoration of these independent media accounts. @KashmirLife @TheKashmiriyat @FreePressK”

The development has raised concerns among journalists, activists, and citizens in the region, further intensifying the ongoing discourse surrounding press freedom.

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi voiced concern over the move, calling it “deeply troubling.” He stated that the suspension of X accounts belonging to independent news organisations like Kashmir Life, The Kashmiriyat, Free Press Kashmir, and several Kashmiri journalists was alarming. “These are among the few remaining platforms committed to reporting ground realities, and their erasure sends a chilling message that truth-telling in Kashmir is punishable,” he wrote.

“Maktoob Media, a publication known for amplifying the voices of the marginalised across India, was also targeted in the crackdown. Mehdi demanded the immediate reinstatement of these accounts, asserting that invoking national interest to silence journalism was not a display of strength,” he wrote on X.

Member of the Legislative Assembly from Kulgam, MY Tarigami, criticised the withholding of the Kashmir Life X account, calling it a “deliberate attempt to stifle the voice of independent media.” Tarigami’s statement underscored the perceived assault on press freedom and the targeting of prominent Kashmir-based news outlets.

Imran Nabi Dar, spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, also took to X to express his concern. “Concerning that the X handle of popular and reputed Kashmir Life, along with The Kashmiriyat, has been withheld for reasons best known to the authorities. Freedom of speech must be protected under all circumstances,” he tweeted.

MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone expressed his dismay over the suspension of the Kashmir Life X handle, emphasising the publication’s organic growth and responsible journalism. “The blocking of the X handle of Kashmir Life is bad. This publication has grown and evolved organically. I have always believed they practice responsible journalism,” he stated.

Lone also acknowledged his longstanding differences with Masood Hussein, the editor-in-chief of Kashmir Life, but expressed respect for his efforts in establishing a “vibrant media institution.”

Iltija Mufti, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party, expressed her discontent with the ban of X handles of various news organisations. In a post on X, she wrote, “Global Times, Xinhua News & TRT World blocked in India. Closer to home, @KashmirLife & @FreePressK have been withheld. What are we trying to conceal from the Indian public & Aam Aadmi that the world already knows? Democracy without freedom is demon-crazy.”

Many civilians and journalists also condemned the action, labelling it a “suppression of freedom of speech and freedom of the press.”

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here