Why Did J&K Police's SIA Conduct a Raid on Kashmir Times Office?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The recent raid on Kashmir Times by J&K Police's SIA raises questions about press freedom and national security. Allegations of anti-national activities have emerged, with significant implications for both the media and civil society in the region.
Key Takeaways
- SIA raids Kashmir Times alleging anti-national activities.
- FIR filed against Anuradha Bhasin, Editor of the newspaper.
- Investigations are part of a broader effort against terrorism in Kashmir.
- Significant arrests made related to a recent terrorist incident.
- Concerns raised regarding press freedom amid national security measures.
Jammu, Nov 20 (NationPress) On Thursday, the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of J&K Police executed a raid at the office of Kashmir Times in Jammu, claiming that the newspaper has been engaged in anti-national activities and fostering discontent against the nation.
According to official sources, the SIA has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) naming Anuradha Bhasin, the Editor of Kashmir Times, in connection with these allegations.
“The investigation is intended to scrutinize her purported connections and activities that pose a threat to the sovereignty of India. This operation highlights the ongoing crackdown on terrorist networks in Kashmir, with the SIA affirming that there should be no exploitation to promote seditious or separatist ideologies,” sources indicated.
Since November 10, the Counter-Intelligence wing and the SIA of J&K Police have been conducting raids across various sites in the union territory following an incident where local doctor, Umar Nabi, detonated a vehicle near the Red Fort in Delhi, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians and injuring numerous others. The perpetrator, Dr. Umar Nabi, who perished in the explosion, had managed to avoid capture after J&K Police, in collaboration with Haryana Police, dismantled a white-collar terror module in the Faridabad area.
Authorities have detained two associates of Dr. Umar Nabi, namely Dr. Adil Rather from Kulgam district and Dr. Muzammil Ganaie from Pulwama district, after which Dr. Umar Nabi went into hiding.
From Dr. Adil Rather's locker in the Government Medical College, Anantnag, one AK-47 rifle was confiscated, while 360 kg of explosive materials were seized from Dr. Muzammil Rather.
The Counter-Intelligence wing also targeted the high-security Kot Bhalwal district jail in Jammu, housing notorious Pakistani and local terrorists.
Additionally, another local physician, Umar Farooq, and his spouse, Shahzada Akhtar, were apprehended in Srinagar two days ago for allegedly leveraging their societal status for anti-national activities.
Shahzada Akhtar faces charges for attempting to revive the women's militant organization, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, allegedly seeking to recruit new members after its leader, Asiya Andrabi, was arrested in 2018.
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of maintaining a balance between national security and media freedom. The ongoing investigations by J&K Police are crucial for safeguarding the sovereignty of India, yet they must be conducted transparently to uphold democratic values.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the SIA raid on Kashmir Times?
The SIA raid was prompted by allegations of the newspaper's involvement in anti-national activities and spreading discontent against India.
Who is Anuradha Bhasin?
Anuradha Bhasin is the Editor of Kashmir Times, who has been named in the FIR related to the ongoing investigation.
What were the recent incidents leading to these raids?
The raids followed a terrorist incident where local doctor Umar Nabi detonated a vehicle in Delhi, resulting in multiple casualties.
What is Dukhtaran-e-Millat?
Dukhtaran-e-Millat is a women's militant organization allegedly being revived by Shahzada Akhtar, who has been arrested for this purpose.
What implications do these raids have for press freedom?
These raids raise concerns about press freedom and the potential for misuse of power against media organizations.
