Opposition Leaders Criticize Detention of Journalist in Jammu and Kashmir
Numerous opposition figures have voiced their disapproval of the Jammu and Kashmir administration's decision to detain a freelance journalist. This journalist had reported on the closure of the Sadna Pass in Kupwara, highlighting its detrimental effects on individuals requiring medical assistance in the Karnah valley.
Khushal Khawaja, a journalist from North Kashmir, was reportedly held by police for several hours on Thursday. Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti stated on social media that he was released under the condition that he return to the police station the following day.
Mufti asserted that Khawaja's detention was a direct consequence of his reporting on the Sadna Pass closure, which she claimed had left critical patients stranded and resulted in the tragic death of a young girl.
“Rather than addressing the issues of road maintenance, healthcare, and the long-unfilled sub-divisional magistrate position, the authorities are targeting the messenger,” Mufti remarked, labeling the action as an abuse of power.
Khawaja recounted to a news outlet that his detention followed his inquiries into the alleged negligence at a government hospital after a seven-year-old girl from Luntha village died before she could be airlifted to Srinagar for medical care.
The child passed away near a helipad, unable to receive timely treatment. Khawaja noted, “Her oxygen saturation was around 80, and I questioned the absence of a doctor and the lack of protocols for such patients, as she had no oxygen support.” He stated that police arrived at the scene, confiscated his phone, and detained him until approximately 8 PM.
Despite his pleas for clarification regarding his detention, Khawaja claimed that the authorities provided no answers.
Just a day prior, he had shared a video report on social media detailing the aftermath of heavy snowfall that resulted in the Sadna Pass's closure, which is the sole road connecting the Karnah valley to mainland Kashmir.
In his report, he interviewed locals and highlighted that several patients were stranded at the sub-district hospital in Karnah, including two individuals who had reportedly suffered heart attacks.
Residents featured in the report accused the local National Conference legislator, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, of being absent during the crisis.
A district administration representative dismissed claims of inaction, asserting that some patients had been transported by ambulance across the snowbound Sadna Pass.
The official described the girl's death as a “tragic misfortune” and noted that adverse weather had hampered air transport.
“She passed away in Karnah just as she was being prepared for helicopter transport,” the official stated. “However, four other patients who were with her were successfully airlifted. The Border Roads Organisation has been tirelessly working to reopen the Sadna Pass.”
On Friday, Awami Ittehad Party leader Abrar Rashid claimed that Khawaja's detention was orchestrated by Mirchal.
Rashid condemned the detention and harassment of a “qualified journalist,” calling it “unfortunate” and urged authorities to intervene to prevent further unwarranted harassment.
Mirchal, however, has denied any involvement in the journalist's detention, stating that he learned about it through social media and that those responsible should clarify the reasons behind Khawaja's custody.
“I would never stoop to such a level,” he asserted.