JournalismPakistan.com | Published June 16, 2024
Join our WhatsApp channel
NEW DELHI— Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy is facing prosecution over her controversial remarks made in 2010 about the disputed region of Kashmir. The decision to prosecute Roy has reignited debates over freedom of speech and the political sensitivity surrounding Kashmir in India.
In 2010, during a seminar in New Delhi, Roy commented on the Kashmir issue, stating that "Kashmir was never an integral part of India." Her remarks were met with widespread criticism and sparked protests across the country. Roy, a Booker Prize-winning author known for her outspoken views, defended her statements by emphasizing the need to acknowledge the historical and political realities of the Kashmir conflict.
Roy is to be prosecuted alongside a former university professor, Sheikh Showkat Hussain, a former professor at the Central University of Kashmir, who also made a provocative speech, according to The Guardian.
After nearly 14 years, the Indian government has decided to move forward with legal action against Roy. According to sources, the case has been reopened following a review of her statements and their impact on national security and public order. The prosecution is based on allegations of sedition and promoting enmity between different groups.
Roy has responded to the prosecution with a statement expressing her dismay. "This is an attempt to stifle dissent and criminalize free speech," she said. "My remarks were made in the context of a seminar discussing the complex history and ongoing conflict in Kashmir. It is unfortunate that the government sees this as a criminal act."
The legal action against Roy has drawn criticism from various quarters, including human rights organizations and free speech advocates. Amnesty International has condemned the move, stating that prosecuting Roy is "an attack on freedom of expression and a worrying sign of increasing intolerance towards dissenting voices in India."
The Kashmir conflict, which dates back to the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, remains one of the most contentious and volatile issues in South Asia. The region has been the site of numerous conflicts, human rights violations, and political unrest. Roy's comments were aimed at highlighting these issues and advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the situation.
Legal experts have pointed out that the prosecution could set a dangerous precedent for free speech in India. "This case underscores the fragile nature of free expression in the country," said Nandita Rao, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist. "It is crucial that we protect the right to speak out on important issues, even if those views are controversial."
Photo: Facebook
March 07, 2025: Former Suno TV anchor Paras Jahanzaib breaks silence on her sudden removal, exposing government pressure tactics against journalists who refuse to follow official narratives in Pakistan.
February 06, 2025: Pakistani women journalists like Munizae Jahangir and Asma Shirazi face severe threats, harassment, and online abuse. This article explores the struggles of women in media, the systemic challenges, and potential solutions to ensure press freedom and journalist safety.
January 13, 2025: Prominent journalist Asma Shirazi faces relentless online harassment in a coordinated campaign involving gendered disinformation. Press freedom groups demand immediate action to protect female journalists in Pakistan.
November 09, 2024: In a sharp rebuttal, anchor Asma Shirazi responded to Moeed Pirzada's allegations, calling him a one-time puppet of the establishment and questioning his commitment to democratic values and human rights.
October 18, 2024: GNN anchor Samina Pasha resigns due to pressure from certain quarters, underscoring concerns over media freedom in Pakistan. She highlights the sacrifices made by journalists for speaking the truth.
September 30, 2024: Dr. Sadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024: Explore the alarming rise of online trolling and harassment faced by women journalists in Pakistan, highlighting recent cases involving anchors like Shiffa Z. Yousafzai and Asma Chaudhry. This article delves into the societal challenges these women encounter and the urgent need for action against online abuse
September 27, 2024: TV anchor Shiffa Z. Yousafzai has refuted false rumors about her marriage, calling attention to the harassment working women face in a male-dominated society. She urges social media platforms to remove false content and calls people to stand against such targeting.
June 11, 2025 Pakistan celebrated a narrow win over Bangladesh, but beneath the jubilation lies a deeper crisis—from sidelined veterans to a collapsing domestic structure—signaling an urgent need for cricket reform.
June 11, 2025 Journalists walked out of the post-budget press conference in Islamabad to protest the absence of a technical briefing and the government's dismissive behavior, calling it unacceptable and intolerable.
May 31, 2025 Dr. Nauman Niaz has issued a defamation notice to Shoaib Akhtar over derogatory remarks made during a recent broadcast, reigniting a longstanding media feud between the two prominent figures in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025 The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has demanded the full repeal of PECA, citing its vague language, coercive powers, and threats to free speech and digital rights in Pakistan.
May 30, 2025 The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned the murder of journalist Syed Mohammed Shah in Jacobabad, calling for urgent justice and improved safety for media professionals in Sindh.