Social media pages of several prominent news organisations based in Jammu and Kashmir were taken down on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, by Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. The move came amid three days of widespread protests across the region following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.
Among the affected outlets are some of the most recognised names in Kashmiri journalism, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir and Kashmir Life, all based in Srinagar.
Meta Acts on Law Enforcement Request Under IT Act
Kashmir Life confirmed in a statement that its verified Facebook and Instagram pages became inaccessible in India on Monday afternoon after Meta restricted access at the request of law enforcement authorities. Citing Meta’s response, the news portal said the pages were restricted under Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
The outlet described itself as a professionally managed organisation with 17 years of operation that upholds the highest standards of journalism. It said it had written to Meta seeking detailed clarification on the specific grounds, scope and duration of the restriction, as well as the procedural options available for review or redressal.
People associated with one of the affected organisations said their Facebook page was suspended after they uploaded videos of protests in Kashmir against the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Mehbooba Calls It Censorship, Urges Government to Act
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti was among the first to speak out against the takedowns. “The censorship of news organisations such as Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life, and Rising Kashmir is deeply concerning. Such actions not only silence legitimate voices but also undermine the fundamental right to freedom of expression. The J&K government must also immediately end any censorship of media in the region,” she said.
Mehbooba warned that removing credible news organisations from digital platforms leaves a dangerous gap in public information. She said that when established media voices are sidelined, the resulting void is often filled by obscure or unreliable sources, which can distort public discourse and erode trust in journalism.
She urged Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw, J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to urgently review the situation and restore the blocked accounts. “Upholding press freedom is essential for a healthy democracy and maintaining public trust,” she added.
Sajad Lone and Other Leaders Voice Concern
J&K Peoples Conference president and legislator Sajad Lone echoed those concerns. “Most of them are responsible, mature institutions. Their absence will do more harm. At times it has been seen that space vacated by responsible institutions can be filled by unknown entities, further harming the cause of a free and responsible media. The administration should unblock the handles,” he said.
PDP legislator Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi also weighed in. “Restricting or suppressing lawful reporting during critical periods only deepens public mistrust. Silencing the press is not a solution, it is a step backward,” he said.
Police Warn of Legal Action Over “Fake News”
The Jammu and Kashmir Police had earlier said it had taken serious cognisance of the deliberate circulation of false, fabricated and misleading information by certain news channels, media outlets and individuals across electronic and social media platforms. The police lodged an FIR in connection with the matter and said several profiles had been identified, with individuals concerned summoned to the Cyber Cell.
“Investigation is actively underway, and strict legal action will follow against anyone found involved,” the police said, warning that spreading fake news, inflammatory content or unverified information would invite stringent legal consequences.
