In recent years, India has witnessed a disturbing trend of silencing dissenting voices, particularly those critical of the government. This systemic suppression spans across various sectors, including media, academia, and civil society, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy and freedom of expression in the world’s largest democracy.
Suppression of Student Activism
Students in India have historically played a significant role in political and social movements. However, the current administration has increasingly targeted student activists. For instance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government has been known to label dissenting students as “anti-national” or “urban Naxals,” effectively marginalizing and discrediting them. The crackdown on student protests, particularly those against controversial laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), has been severe, involving police brutality and arbitrary arrests.
In 2020, protests erupted across universities when the government introduced the CAA, which was seen as discriminatory against Muslims. Students from prominent institutions like Jamia Millia Islamia and Jawaharlal Nehru University faced brutal police actions. Videos of police entering university campuses and using excessive force on students circulated widely, prompting national and international condemnation. The Delhi Police, often accused of acting at the behest of the central government, filed multiple cases against student leaders, alleging incitement of violence and sedition.
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Media Suppression and the Role of Mainstream Outlets
The Indian media landscape has seen a significant shift towards pro-government reporting, particularly among mainstream outlets. Channels like Republic TV have been instrumental in propagating the government’s narrative, often branding dissenters as enemies of the state. Investigative journalism and critical reporting have taken a backseat as self-censorship and fear of reprisal become commonplace.
Journalists critical of the government face harassment, legal challenges, and physical threats. The Editors Guild of India and other journalist bodies have repeatedly raised concerns about the shrinking space for free press. The government’s use of laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to detain journalists without bail further exacerbates the issue. In 2020, journalist Siddique Kappan was arrested under UAPA while on his way to cover the Hathras gang rape and murder case. His detention sparked outrage among media rights organizations globally.
Targeting Civil Society and Intellectuals
Civil society and intellectuals have also faced significant repression. The Indian government has utilized various legal instruments, such as sedition laws and anti-terrorism statutes, to silence critics. Notable intellectuals, including author Arundhati Roy, have faced legal challenges for their outspoken views on sensitive issues like Kashmir. In 2021, Amnesty International had to cease its operations in India due to government harassment and the freezing of its bank accounts, which Amnesty termed as a crackdown on human rights.
The government’s heavy-handed approach is further exemplified by its actions against digital platforms and international media. For instance, the BBC documentary critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was banned in India, and subsequent raids on BBC offices underscored the extent of state control over dissenting narratives.
Anti-Press Freedom Political Actions
India’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index has plummeted, reflecting the deteriorating state of media freedom. Reporters Without Borders ranks India 161 out of 180 countries, highlighting the severe constraints faced by journalists. In Kashmir, the situation is particularly dire. Journalists in the region operate under constant threat, with many facing arrests under anti-terrorism laws merely for reporting on protests and human rights violations.
The Indian government has also implemented measures to restrict the flow of information. Internet shutdowns, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Kashmir, have become a common tool to curb dissent. The 2019 revocation of Article 370, which granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, was accompanied by an unprecedented communication blackout that lasted several months. This blackout was the longest ever imposed in a democracy and severely impacted the region’s economy and daily life.
Repression in Kashmir
Kashmir remains one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world, and the Indian government’s actions there are indicative of its broader approach to dissent. The use of preventive detention laws to arrest journalists and activists is rampant. In 2021, Kashmiri journalist Sajad Gul was arrested for posting a video of protests on social media. Similarly, the Jammu and Kashmir police have used anti-terrorism laws to target journalists like Aasif Sultan and Qazi Shibli.
The government has also sought to control the narrative by taking over and shutting down independent press bodies. The takeover of the Kashmir Press Club by pro-government journalists and its subsequent closure is a stark example of this strategy. Journalists in the region face constant surveillance, harassment, and threats, leading many to leave the profession or flee the region.
International Repercussions and Criticism
The international community has increasingly voiced concerns over India’s democratic backsliding. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have criticized India’s suppression of free speech and press freedom. Despite this, geopolitical considerations often lead to muted responses from powerful nations like the United States. For instance, while the U.S. has tools like the Global Magnitsky Act to sanction individuals responsible for human rights abuses, it has been reluctant to apply such measures against India due to strategic partnerships.
International bodies like the United Nations have also raised alarms about the human rights situation in India. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has repeatedly called for investigations into the excessive use of force by Indian security forces and the arbitrary detention of activists and journalists. Despite these calls, the Indian government remains defiant, often dismissing international criticism as interference in its internal affairs.
Silencing dissenting voices
India’s approach to silencing dissenting voices poses a significant threat to its democratic fabric. The systemic suppression of students, intellectuals, and journalists, coupled with restrictive legal measures and media control, has created an environment where free speech is increasingly under siege. Addressing these issues requires both domestic and international efforts to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights.
References
- Chakraborty, S. (2024). How India Is Silencing Its Students. The Diplomat. Retrieved from The Diplomat
- Beyond Alleged Assassination Plots, India’s Modi is Silencing US Critics Digitally Too. Just Security. Retrieved from Just Security
- India’s Press Crackdown: The Silencing of Journalists in Kashmir. The Nation. Retrieved from The Nation
- Freedom House. (2023). Freedom in the World 2023: India. Retrieved from Freedom House
- Reporters Without Borders. (2023). World Press Freedom Index 2023: India. Retrieved from RSF
