India's press freedom under attack in 2021

 Six journalists were killed in India last year, according to a report released Wednesday by a media watchdog, signaling deterioration of civic space and press freedom in the nation.

The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), in its "India Press Freedom Report 2021," noted the targeted attacks on journalists and media houses in the country.

This report confirms the findings of Reporters Without Borders, which placed India at the 142nd spot on the World Press Freedom Index last year, making it "one of the world's most dangerous places for journalists."

In 2021, 121 journalists and media houses were targeted in India according to RRAG.

A majority of these attacks took place in the conflict-torn region of northern Kashmir, which has been fighting an armed rebellion against Indian rule for three decades.

Uttar Pradesh, with 23 attacks, followed closely behind.

According to the report, six journalists were killed in the country, and eight female journalists faced arrest, summons, first information reports (FIRs), and sexual harassment.

Suhas Chakma, director of RRAG, said in a statement that recent attacks on press freedom anywhere between Kashmir and Tripura (in northeast) are indicative of the deterioration of civic space across the country.

The report stated that regional governments have invoked various anti-sedition and counter-terror laws against media houses, resulting in the arrest of at least 17 journalists last year.

During 2021, Kashmir was the focus of attacks against freedom of the press. Out of the 17 journalists arrested in the country, (the region) reported the highest number of cases with five journalists arrested and detained followed by Delhi (three), Maharashtra, Manipur and Tripura (two each) and Assam, Chhattisgarh and Haryana (one each)."

Kashmir topped the list of countries denying media freedom.

In Kashmir, journalists often find themselves summoned to police stations, accused in reports, and their homes raided and beaten by security forces, said the report.

UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression expressed concern over "allegations of intimidation, searches, and confiscations" against human rights groups and journalists in Kashmir.