Media voices silenced: Amid reports that thousands of X accounts and prominent journalists have been targeted, press organisations demand transparency and an end to arbitrary censorship.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 9, 2025 — Leading journalist organisations on Friday condemned what they described as an escalating government crackdown on independent media, after access to the news website The Wire was reportedly blocked across India.
In a statement released by the Press Club of India, along with the Indian Women’s Press Corps, the Press Association, and the Delhi Union of Journalists, the signatories expressed “deep concern” over the apparent attempt to stifle press freedom. The move comes just weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which prompted a wave of scrutiny and restrictions on media organisations and journalists.
“The block is especially concerning as it follows actions against journalists across India after the horrific act of terrorism in Pahalgam, which was uniformly and unequivocally condemned by the Indian press,” the statement said.
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According to The Wire, several internet service providers informed users that the site had been blocked under an order from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, citing provisions under the Information Technology Act, 2000. If confirmed, the statement added, such action would represent “a grave violation of press freedom.”
The internet service providers are saying multiple things. We have learnt it is per orders of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. pic.twitter.com/GCz4d6EggP
— The Wire (@thewire_in) May 9, 2025
The press bodies also raised alarm over a broader pattern of restrictions, including the withholding of the X (formerly Twitter) accounts of independent outlet Maktoob Media, senior journalists such as Anuradha Bhasin and Muzamil Jaleel, and multiple Kashmir-based news organisations. The BBC Urdu account was also reportedly withheld in India.
Further concerns were raised over the alleged detention of Kashmir-based journalist Hilal Mir in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, and reports that the Indian government has issued executive orders to block as many as 8,000 X accounts. Due to legal restrictions, platform officials have reportedly been barred from disclosing details of the takedown orders — a development the press organisations say undermines transparency and accountability.
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“While there is no doubt that the media must act responsibly, arbitrary and opaque censorship of journalists and media platforms cannot be justified,” the statement said. “These actions are in direct conflict with the constitutional promise of press freedom and are ultimately a disservice to the Indian public.”
The signatories urged the government to immediately lift the restrictions and ensure transparency in its digital enforcement actions, allowing journalists and news organisations to carry out their work without intimidation or interference.
