The South Asian Women in Media (SAWM) is appalled and concerned that Anuradha Bhasin, editor of Kashmir Times, and a valued member of the association, has been doxxed and abused on social media platforms by another journalist.
Unfortunately, that journalist too was a SAWM member. She had to be ejected from the group for attributing false motives to Ms Bhasin’s article and using language unsuitable for an association of professional journalists from across South Asia. She also insulted others who attempted to caution her.
SAWM stands by Anuradha Bhasin and her right to raise critical questions with government of the day. As journalists, asking questions of those in high office is what we do, and what we should do. Ms. Bhasin was upholding this duty by questioning the utility of a government decision to send all-party delegations across the world after hostilities erupted between India and Pakistan following the brutal terrorist massacre in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.
Ms. Bhasin posted the article on the SAWM International WhatsApp group, where members often share their work.
SAWM respects the right of members to express thoughts freely and to hold dissenting viewpoints.
However, the tone and tenor of that member to raise objections against the article was unwarranted and insulting, based on wrong assumptions about and ignorance of India’s neighbouring countries and their media.
SAWM inherently trusts its members not to make public discussions – sometimes fraught – in what is a private, international group, designed to encourage debate and discussion among members.
That trust was violated.
The journalist carried out her threat, selectively and egregiously posting parts of the discussion that also displayed Ms Bhasin’s phone number, thereby seriously compromising her security and right to privacy.
SAWM is shocked and dismayed by her conduct.
However, such incidents will not break SAWM’s resolve to remain a site for professional networking across the region. We stand united and committed to the cause of a free media unshackled by any political ideology.
Patricia Mukhim
Dilrukshi Handunetti
Namrata Sharma