Several prominent English-language newspapers in Kashmir—such as Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Reader—have been denied government advertising revenue since mid-February 2025. These publications rely heavily on state ads due to a weak private sector, making the withholding of government ads a severe blow to their financial viability (Reporters Without Borders).
Press freedom organizations like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have condemned the move, describing it as arbitrary and tantamount to intimidation. RSF called the ban “a crude act of pressure” on dissenting media voices (Reporters Without Borders).
Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah publicly denounced targeted ad distribution, asserting that media unable to function financially cannot serve independently. He urged media houses to pursue financial self‑reliance and reaffirmed his support for fair media operations (Kashmir Observer).
The revenue shortfall has forced newspaper reductions in staff levels, circulation cuts, and in some cases, shuttered editions altogether. Affected newsrooms report that investigative reporting has declined sharply as resources dwindle, harming the region’s capacity for independent journalism (Committee to Protect Journalists).
Journalists interviewed by FairPlanet described rising self‑censorship and acute financial stress, with many choosing to suppress critical stories to avoid triggering further punitive action by authorities (FairPlanet). One editor stated:
“I have become handicapped … killed four stories last month fearing reprisal from the authorities” (FairPlanet).
Kashmir’s media associations, civil society, and political figures—including former CM Mehbooba Mufti—have called on the government to restore advertising support, warning that continued silence could lead to the collapse of independent media and income loss for hundreds of media workers across the Valley (Free Press Kashmir).
