When word gets out of a gunfight between security forces and separatists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, the media are quick to respond. “All it takes is a call from sources,” said Qisar Mir, a photojournalist in the state’s Pulwama district. “The moment I get a confirmation, be it any time and weather, I have to immediately rush to the spot and cover the gunfight.” But that could change after the police chief in India-controlled Kashmir told media to stay clear of clashes, citing safety and national security risks. Police are seen in India-controlled Kashmir, in this undated photo by photojournalist Qisar Mir.The ban centers on coverage of what is known as a “police encounter” — a gunfight between regional police or armed forces and separatist militants. Some FILE – An Indian police officer detains a demonstrator during a protest after Friday prayers in Srinagar, March 5, 2021.Several restrictions and media laws have been introduced in the India-controlled region since Prime Minister Narendra Modi rescinded Article 370 in 2019, which granted autonomy to the disputed territory. Reporters risk arbitrary arrest, fines, harassment or beatings. Authorities cite national security risks or inciting of militant groups as the reason for the laws, internet bans, or arrests. The region is often the site of clashes between Indian forces and militants, who want a separate state for the Muslim-majority region. But media rights groups say authorities should not be trying to control coverage. Gunfights in a conflict zone are a matter of public interest and police should not dictate what reporters can or cannot report on, said Aliya Iftikhar, senior Asia research at the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. The police chief’s remarks are “yet another attempt to control the narrative around Kashmir and the press,” Iftikhar told VOA. Mohammad, of the Kashmir Press Club, said that covering the news live is important in helping stem the flow of false rumors and unverified information, which has potential to trigger chaos in Kashmir. “The government has been insisting that Kashmir is being projected falsely by media and this new advisory will further aggravate that position in the face of lack of credible and authentic information,” Mohammad said. His point has been echoed by other prominent journalists in the region, including Anuradha Bhasin, executive editor of the Kashmir Times. “Journalists cover encounters for facts, information (vital in a democracy). It is a call to duty. Stop ‘interfering’ in that!” Bhasin tweeted.Journalists cover encounters for facts, information (vital in a democracy). It is a call to duty. Stop ‘interfering’ in that! (Is there one incident where live coverage jeopardised security? Encounters: Jammu and Kashmir police ban live coverage https://t.co/pZWbb15Qd5— Anuradha Bhasin (@AnuradhaBhasin_) April 8, 2021Journalists covering unrest or police responses in many Kashmiri districts already face obstacles, with many saying they are harassed regularly by security forces. In some cases, police order them to hand over footage or confiscate equipment. In March, photojournalist Mir, who contributes to the regional network TV9 Bharatvarsh, was harassed while covering a clash in Kakapora, Pulwama. Police pointed a pellet gun at the journalist and another kicked and chased Mir.One pointed a pellet gun and another kicked a local photographer @QisarMirafter chasing us away while covering clashes near the gunfight site in Pulwama today. Everyday story of a journalist in #Kashmir.@CPJAsia@RSF_inter#JournalismIsNotACrimeVideo:Syed shahriyar pic.twitter.com/nt1w84GuZX— Syed Shahriyar (@shahriyarsyed1) April 2, 2021The police announcement has prompted 12 journalism organizations to issue a statement asking Inspector General Kumar to clarify his comments. “If this is a part of the official policy of police, then it appears to be a tactic to coerce journalists into not reporting facts on the ground,” read the statement signed by the Kashmir’s editor’s guild, press club and other groups. “It also seems to be a part of the string of measures taken by the authorities to suppress freedom of press in the region.” 
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