Archive · 1 Feb 2026
Opposition Criticizes J&K Administration for Journalist Detention
A journalist named Khushal Khawaja was detained by the police in North Kashmir.
He was reporting on how the closure of a road called Sadna Pass affected people who needed medical help.
The road closure stranded patients, including a young girl who sadly passed away.
Opposition leaders like Mehbooba Mufti and Abrar Rashid criticized the administration for detaining the journalist, calling it a misuse of authority.
The journalist was released but had to promise to return to the police station.
A local politician, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, denied any involvement in the journalist's detention.
Freelance journalist Khushal Khawaja was detained for reporting on the closure of Sadna Pass and its impact on medical care in North Kashmir.
Khawaja reported on the death of a seven-year-old girl due to lack of medical support and protocols.
Opposition leaders, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, criticized the administration for detaining Khawaja, calling it a misuse of authority.
Khawaja was released but had to promise to return to the police station the next day.
National Conference legislator Javaid Ahmad Mirchal denied any role in the detention, stating he learned about it through social media.
- Who
- Khushal Khawaja, a freelance journalist in North Kashmir
- What
- Detention by police for reporting on healthcare issues and road closures
- When
- Detained on Thursday, released on Friday
- Where
- North Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir
- Why
- Reporting on the closure of Sadna Pass and its impact on medical care
- Journalist Detained
- Khushal Khawaja
- Location of Detention
- North Kashmir
- Reason for Detention
- Reporting on Sadna Pass closure and healthcare issues
- Duration of Detention
- Several hours
- Condition of Release
- Required to report back to the police station
- Incident Reported
- Death of a seven-year-old girl due to lack of medical care
- Opposition Leaders Criticizing
- Mehbooba Mufti, Abrar Rashid
- Denial of Involvement
- Javaid Ahmad Mirchal