Asif Sultan, a journalist in Indian-administered Kashmir, has been re-arrested just hours after his release from over 2,000 days in detention. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between press freedom and security concerns in the region.
Asif Sultan was first arrested in August 2018 and held for over five years under a stringent anti-terror law (UAPA) that makes bail difficult.
Authorities accuse him of aiding militants, which he denies. Critics allege his arrest is linked to a 2018 article about a slain militant leader.
Kashmir is a disputed territory claimed by both India and Pakistan, with a long history of insurgency and violence. Journalists often face challenges navigating between reporting and government restrictions.
The Indian government’s revocation of Kashmir’s partial autonomy in 2019 has coincided with a crackdown on press freedom. Several journalists, including Sultan, have been arrested under UAPA or detained without charges.
Unresolved Issues:
● The justification for Sultan’s continued detention remains unclear.
● The broader situation in Kashmir, with its competing security concerns and press freedom issues, is likely to remain a source of tension.
This case raises concerns about the treatment of journalists in Kashmir and the wider issue of press freedom in India.
Asif Sultan’s repeated arrests and detentions in Kashmir underscore the use of controversial tactics by authorities and raise concerns about press freedom in the region.
Revolving Door Arrests:
Human rights activists allege a systematic pattern of “revolving door arrests” in Kashmir. This tactic involves re-arresting individuals on fresh charges immediately after they secure bail in previous cases, effectively extending their detention.
Asif Sultan’s case exemplifies this, as he was re-arrested under a new UAPA case upon release from PSA detention.
The BBC’s inquiries regarding Sultan’s re-arrest, detentions of other journalists, and press freedom concerns in Kashmir have not been answered by Kashmiri police officials.
A History of Detention:
● Sultan was initially arrested in August 2018 and held for over five years under the UAPA anti-terror law.
● He was granted bail in April 2022 when the prosecution’s key witness failed to identify him.
● However, authorities then detained him under the PSA, labeling him a “threat to peace,” and transferred him to a jail far from his home.
● Even after a court order quashed his PSA detention in December 2023, his release was delayed for 78 days due to unexplained bureaucratic hurdles.
New Charges and Continued Imprisonment:
Upon finally reaching home in February 2024, Sultan was re-arrested on charges related to a 2019 prison riot, which his lawyer disputes his involvement in. Sultan’s case is not unique, with other Kashmiri journalists reportedly facing similar “revolving door” detentions.
Unresolved Issues:
The justification for Sultan’s repeated detentions remains unclear. The broader situation in Kashmir, with its interplay of security concerns, press freedom restrictions, and alleged use of questionable detention tactics, necessitates further investigation and dialogue.
Asif Sultan’s ordeal highlights the urgent need for transparency and adherence to due process in Kashmir. The Indian government must address concerns about press freedom and ensure journalists can work without fear of arbitrary detention.
