| Irfan Mehraj | |
| Birth Place: | Kashmir, India |
| Education: | M.A (Mass communication) |
| Alma Mater: | University of Kashmir |
| Occupation: | Journalist and Human rights defender |
Irfan Mehraj is an Indian journalist and human rights activist from Kashmir.[1] He works with Deutsche Welle and also writes for various publications like The Indian Express, TRT World, The Wire, The Caravan, Himal Southasian and NewArab. Irfan has specially written about the challenges facing the Muslim community in Kashmir. He was the Editor of Two Circles and the founding editor of Wande Magazine.[2] [3] [4]
Meraj was born at Kashmir, India. Mehraj successfully obtained his master's degree in mass communication and journalism from the esteemed University of Kashmir.[5] [6] [7]
On March 20, 2023, He was apprehended by the National Investigation Agency in Srinagar after being summoned for questioning. The NIA alleged that Mehraj was affiliated with the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, a human rights organization renowned for documenting instances of human rights violations perpetrated by authorities in Kashmir,[8] a region predominantly inhabited by Muslims. In connection with the same case, the NIA had previously detained Khurram Parvez, human rights activist and leader of JKCCS, on charges of financing terrorist activities.[9] [10] [11]
Many organizations and political leaders had condemned the Indian government on Irfan's arrest. Amnesty International had requested the Indian authorities to immediately release Irfan.[12]
Mehbooba Mufti the leader of the PDP, has also voiced her disapproval of Mehraj's arrest. In a Facebook post, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the arrest, stating that in Kashmir, criminals are allowed to roam freely while journalists like Irfan Mehraj, who are simply doing their duty by speaking the truth, are unjustly detained. The Press Club of India (PCI) also condemned Mehraj's arrest,[13] emphasizing their strong opposition to the imposition of UAPA on media personnel. They expressed concern over the NIA's sudden arrest of Irfan Mehraj under the UAPA law, viewing it as a clear indication of the law's misuse to suppress freedom of speech and expression. The PCI demanded his immediate release.[14] [15]