AK rifle rounds, pistol cartridges and three grenade levers were recovered during a raid conducted by the State Investigation Agency (SIA) at the Jammu office of Kashmir Times, officials said on Wednesday.
Raid Over Alleged Anti-Sovereignty Content
The raid was carried out at the organisation’s Residency Road office after the SIA registered a case accusing the publication of propagating content “detrimental to the sovereignty of the country.”
Officials searched the premises and computer systems as part of the investigation.
The SIA has filed an FIR against Kashmir Times over articles allegedly posing a threat to public order. Notably, its Srinagar office was sealed by the J&K administration in October 2020.
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Kashmir Times Calls Action an Attempt to Silence Dissent
In a statement, Kashmir Times condemned the raid, calling it “another attempt to silence independent journalism.”
“We are being targeted because we continue to speak truth to power… The accusations are meant to intimidate and delegitimise us. We will not be silenced,” the organisation said.
Founded in 1954 by Ved Bhasin, Kashmir Times shut down its print edition in 2021–22 but continues as a digital platform.
NC, PDP Criticise Raid as ‘Pressure Tactic’
The National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) strongly criticised the raid.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary said action must follow evidence, not pressure tactics.
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PDP leader Iltija Mufti said Kashmir Times had long resisted intimidation.
“Raiding them under the guise of anti-national activities is preposterous… Every voice of truth in Kashmir is being choked,” she said.
