ABSTRACT
In the state of Jammu and Kashmir in northwestern India, the ongoing efforts of the Indian central government to stifle aspirations for self-determination has created a situation where press freedom is a mere chimera. This chapter examines the nature and extent of curbs on press freedom, and how they reflect the contested nature of the region’s relationship with the Indian state. Although hyper-nationalist regimes in particular are commonly seen as the worst threat to press freedom, but in Jammu and Kashmir, regime changes do not significantly change the miserable state of press freedom. A free press in Kashmir is perceived to be an enemy of the state and is treated as such. Through democratic contrivance and military control, the Indian state manages the news and tries to stifle the yearning for self-determination. Press censorship sends an unmistakable message that the state fears transparency and accountability, whetting popular desires.
