J&K: TV Commentator Majid Hyderi Arrested, Parties Condemn Move

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday said that they have arrested a journalist and TV commentator Majid Hyderi from his residence in Srinagar in a case related to alleged criminal conspiracy and extortion. 

Hyderi was arrested in a case FIR no 88/2023 under Sections 120-B, 177, 386 and 500 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) registered in Sadder Police Station, Srinagar Police wrote on social media platform – X. 

“FIR No 88/2023 U/S 120-B, 177,386,500 of IPC registered in Sadder PS on basis of order issued by Hon’ble court of JMIC Srinagar. One Majid Hyderi S/o Jahangir Hyderi R/o Peerbagh arrested for criminal conspiracy, intimidation, extortion, giving false information, defamation etc,” the police said. 

Hyderi has previously worked as a city editor with one of the leading dailies Greater Kashmir and often appeared on national broadcast where he was seen engaging in intense debates on various issues especially the politics of Jammu and Kashmir. 

His arrest was condemned by the political leadership who termed it as “an act of intimidation and an attack on freedom of expression.” 

“Majid Hyderi’s arrest late last night has exposed the nexus between conmen & certain intelligence agencies. He was dragged from his home like a wanted terrorist without following any legalities. His mother & sister pleaded to see a warrant but this too was denied. This is how journalists who expose scams are accused of intimidation & defamation,” former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X. 

The arrest was also condemned by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC). “Such heavy-handed actions are detrimental to democracy and have a chilling effect on freedom of the press and expression,” the party said in a statement. 

Following Mufti’s remarks, the Srinagar Police, however, issued a clarification that they had followed legal procedure during the arrest of the journalist. 

“It is clarified that all legal procedures of formal arrest as mandated by law were fully followed. Family was clearly informed about the order of Hon'ble court regarding this. It is requested to kindly not fall prey to misinformation campaign by vested interests,” the police said. 

Rights bodies and media watchdogs have often criticised the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir for their action against journalists in the region that the groups say are working under “distressing” conditions. In March this year, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested journalist Irfan Mehraj accusing him of being involved in a case related to “terror funding”, a charge that Mehraj’s family said are “flimsy”. 

Media groups have since regularly called for the release of Mehraj and others Fahad Shah, Sajad Gul and Asif Sultan jailed by the authorities.