Legislator Sheikh Khursheed Terms Withholding of X Accounts of Several Kmr-based Media Outlets As Blow to Press Freedom, Seeks Immediate Reinstatement

Srinagar: Awami Ittihad Party senior leader and incumbent MLA Langate Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad has expressed his deep anguish and resentment over withholding of X (previously Twitter) accounts of several Kashmir-based media outlets.

Maintaining that the move is a direct blow to press freedom, undermining the fundamental right to freedom of expression, the legislator remarked that a true democracy upholds and safeguards independent journalism.

“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,” the AIP legislator wrote in an X post.

“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,” reads the post, as per Alfaaz – The Words.

Notably, the authorities have withheld accounts of various organisations and personalities within and outside Jammu and Kashmir over the last few days with each of the accounts reverting that “… has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand.”