New Delhi, December 19, 2025 (Ishan Times Bureau): The Press Club of India (PCI) has strongly condemned the Jammu and Kashmir Police for seizing the mobile phone of senior journalist Jehangir Ali, The Wire’s long-time correspondent in the region, from his residence in Budgam on the evening of December 17.
Although the phone was returned after 24 hours, the PCI expressed serious concern that the seizure was carried out without any FIR, warrant, court order, or legal documentation, and without disclosing any reason to the journalist. The Club further pointed out that the police failed to follow mandatory legal safeguards laid down by the Supreme Court, including the recording and sharing of the hash value of the seized electronic device, a critical step to ensure data integrity and prevent tampering.
The PCI noted with alarm that the action occurred while Jehangir Ali was engaged in investigative reporting on allegations of nepotism and corruption related to a hydropower project in Kishtwar. According to The Wire, Ali was actively pursuing another lead in the same investigation at the time of the police action, raising serious concerns about intimidation and retaliation against journalists involved in public-interest reporting.
Describing the incident as part of a broader pattern of harassment of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir, the PCI said such actions have intensified since the abrogation of Article 370 and have created a chilling effect on press freedom in the region. The organisation warned that such practices undermine constitutional guarantees of free speech and the public’s right to information.
The Press Club of India urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure that journalists can carry out their professional duties without fear, intimidation, or unlawful interference.