Journalists in Kashmir have voiced concern over a recent directive issued by the Department of Information, Jammu and Kashmir, seeking detailed background information and six months’ salary slips from media professionals across several districts. Many described the move as part of a continuing crackdown on press freedom in the region.

According to The Indian Express, the order dated October 31, issued by the Joint Director of Information, Kashmir, cited “repeated complaints” from field officers and directed all District Information Officers (DIOs) to “exercise heightened vigilance” and maintain a verified list of accredited and bona fide journalists. The directive also instructed officials to report instances of misuse of media credentials or attempts to “malign officials or instituti

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