Jammu: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities have justified the deployment of a police station and State Investigation Agency (SIA) offices at the Srinagar Press Club. They cited a lack of formal orders for the building’s possession amid mounting media criticism.

The explanation came in response to a question in the IIOJK assembly by lawmaker Waeed Parra. He inquired about the reasons for not reinstating the Press Club at its original location and the steps taken to provide an alternative space.

Authorities stated that the Press Club initially occupied the building based on verbal directions after an announcement by the then Chief Minister during a budget session. In 2022, the government reclaimed the building following a reference from the Directorate of Information.

Later that year, a fire incident damaged a building housing key police office, including the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) City East, Srinagar. These offices were temporarily relocated to the Press Club building. The premises were formally allotted to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the SIA through an official order on September 21, 2023.

No concrete plan has been disclosed regarding a new location or timeline for establishing a dedicated press facility. Media organizations have rejected the authorities’ justification, viewing it as an attempt by the Modi-led Indian regime to stifle the media in light of a new media policy enacted after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.