The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Thursday, November 20, conducted a raid at the Jammu office of Kashmir Times, recovering AK-47 cartridges, pistol rounds and hand-grenade pins during the search operation.
Officials said the raid was carried out in connection with a case filed against the newspaper and its promoters for allegedly supporting activities “against the interests of the nation.” The agency examined documents, computers and other materials and indicated that the promoters will be questioned soon.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary commented that such actions should be taken only in cases of genuine wrongdoing, cautioning authorities against using raids to pressure media organisations.
Founded in 1954 by journalist Ved Bhasin, Kashmir Times is now run by his daughter Anuradha Bhasin Jamwal and her husband Prabodh Jamwal. Both are currently abroad, and the Jammu print edition of the newspaper has remained inactive since 2021–22, though the online edition continues.
In a joint statement, editors Anuradha and Prabodh condemned the raid as an attempt to stifle independent journalism. They argued that criticism of the government cannot be equated with anti-state activities and demanded that the charges be withdrawn.
PDP leader Iltija Mufti also criticised the search, calling it politically motivated and an example of government overreach.
