FIR Against Journalist in Neelum Sparks Controversy

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By Waheeda Jammu Kashmiri

An FIR filed against journalist Usman Tariq Chughtai for allegedly defaming the military on social media has surfaced in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir’s Neelum district. The case, which many see as an attack on press freedom, is being viewed as yet another attempt to silence Kashmiri voices that challenge Pakistan’s narrative.

Targeting a Kashmiri Journalist

The FIR, registered on March 4 at the Athmuqam police station, includes multiple charges under sections 500, 501, 504, 505, 489Y, 489P, and Section 31 of the Telegraph Act. The move is being seen as part of a broader crackdown on Kashmiri journalists and activists who refuse to accept Islamabad’s dominance over the region.

The Facebook Post That Led to the FIR

Usman Tariq Chughtai had posted on March 3, 2025:

“And then they say we criticize them. Completely blinded by their arrogance. A video of PWD’s machinery clearing snow in Neelum Valley has been uploaded on ISPR’s official page, either without verification or deliberately distorting facts to make it appear as military equipment. I strongly condemn this act of undermining the efforts of civilian institutions working in harsh conditions. The government may take credit, but only for the work it has actually done.”

The FIR accuses Chughtai of spreading “false information” to create resentment between Kashmiris and the Pakistani military. However, for many in the region, his post was simply the truth—an inconvenient one for Islamabad.

The Larger Context: A Fight for Kashmiri Identity

For years, Kashmiris in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir have been treated as second-class citizens. Despite Islamabad’s claims of supporting Kashmiri self-determination, the reality on the ground is one of suppression. The Pakistani constitution itself states that Kashmiris are not full citizens of Pakistan, yet any attempt to assert Kashmiri identity outside the Pakistani framework is met with intimidation and legal action.

The Battle Over Credit: PWD vs. Military

The controversy began when ISPR’s official page started sharing updates about snow clearance operations in Neelum and Haveli districts, presenting them as military-led efforts. However, locals were quick to point out that the work was actually carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD), not the army. Several videos surfaced showing civilians questioning why the military was taking credit for the efforts of a civilian agency.

Despite this, Pakistani authorities have chosen to silence those who expose the truth rather than address the legitimate concerns of Kashmiris.

A Pattern of Suppression

Usman Tariq Chughtai’s case is not an isolated incident. Other Kashmiri activists and leaders have faced similar persecution:

Sadaqat Mughal Kashmiri, JKLFN Chairman, was arrested a few days ago under similar charges.
Mujtaba Banday, JKNSF President, was detained for 15 days in February for allegedly speaking against the military.
Raja Ghulam Mujtaba, JAAC member, was booked for sedition in Rawalakot on March 29 and arrested the next day for an anti-military speech.
On April 1, another FIR was filed at Hajira police station against four individuals, including Arsalan Shani, a key member of the Students’ Action Committee, who was subsequently arrested.

This case against Usman Tariq Chughtai is yet another example of how Pakistan treats Kashmiris when they challenge the state’s propaganda. The real issue isn’t about defamation; it’s about the right of Kashmiris to speak their truth. If Pakistan truly stood for Kashmir’s freedom, it wouldn’t have to silence Kashmiri voices—it would listen to them.