The Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted a raid on the Kashmir Times office in Jammu on Thursday, claiming the publication was involved in activities against the nation. During the search, officials recovered 14 AK-47 cartridges, several pistol rounds, and hand-grenade pins. The police have registered a case against the newspaper and its promoters, who are expected to be questioned as the investigation unfolds.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary commented on the situation, stating that any action taken should be based on evidence rather than pressure. He emphasized, "If they have done something wrong, then action should be taken. If you do it only to (build) pressure, then that will be wrong."

The management of Kashmir Times has strongly condemned the raid, describing the allegations as unfounded and part of a systematic effort to suppress independent journalism. Editors Prabodh Jamwal and Anuradha Bhasin released a joint statement asserting, "The reported raids on our office, the baseless accusations of activities 'inimical to the state,' and the coordinated crackdown on the Kashmir Times are yet another attempt to silence us."

They further clarified, "Criticising the government is not the same as being inimical to the state. In fact, it is the very opposite. A robust, questioning press is essential to a healthy democracy. Our work of holding power to account, investigating corruption, amplifying marginalised voices strengthens our nation. It does not weaken it."

The editors highlighted the newspaper's long-standing commitment to independent journalism since its establishment in 1954 by Ved Bhasin. They stated, "We have chronicled the region’s triumphs and failures with equal rigour. We have given voice to communities that would otherwise go unheard. We have asked difficult questions when others remained silent."

Despite the challenges, including the suspension of its print edition in 2021-2022 due to ongoing targeting, Kashmir Times continues to operate digitally, making all its content accessible online. The editors concluded their statement by asserting, "Journalism is not a crime. Accountability is not treason. And we will continue to inform, investigate, and advocate for those who depend on us."