“Stop Harassment of Journalist Gafira Qadir” – NWMI
The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) strongly condemns the ongoing trolling, intimidation and targeted harassment of Kashmiri journalist and NWMI member Gafira Qadir, who has been reporting and writing in the region and across India for over six years.
Following her review of the film, “Songs of Paradise,” for Middle East Eye (MEE) on 15 September 2025, Qadir has faced a coordinated campaign of abuse, threats and surveillance-like tactics. Released on Amazon Prime Video on 29 August 2025, “Songs of Paradise” is an Indian musical period drama directed by Danish Renzu, which follows the journey of a Kashmiri woman inspired by a real-life character, Raj Begum, as she struggles to become a singer against societal odds.
The review noted how the film sidelined Kashmir’s political and historical realities. Qadir argues that any artistic portrayal of Kashmir and Kashmiris must acknowledge political realities and structural inequalities. She says portrayals should not be reduced to just aesthetics while denying the struggles underlying a character’s identity as a Kashmiri.
Qadir has been subjected to both professional and personal attacks, as well as trolling and vitriol from organised troll networks. These coordinated attacks are designed to discredit her work and brand it as “propaganda.” The trolling and intimidation have been amplified by right-wing propaganda outlets such as OpIndia (which has published a hit piece against her) and accounts like Kashmir DisinfoLab and The Lobby Watch, along with Hindutva troll networks on X.com. [NB: We are withholding links to these sites in order to stop amplifying hate-filled content]. Further, attempts have been made to pressurise her publisher at MEE to take down her article.
This harassment is not only a blatant attempt to silence her voice but also an attack on the principles of free expression and press freedom. The fact that these attacks come in response to a critique of a film that claims to champion “women’s empowerment” underscores the deep irony and hypocrisy at play. In addition, this orchestrated campaign is a clumsy and singularly unintelligent attempt to police legitimate criticism and curb constructive debate and discussion.
The NWMI stands in solidarity with Gafira Qadir and with all journalists—especially women journalists—who regularly face orchestrated online abuse and real-world intimidation simply for doing their jobs. Such actions seek to create a climate of fear and self-censorship, undermining independent journalism and democratic values.
We call upon filmmakers, public figures and media professionals to engage with critiques in a respectful and democratic manner, and to publicly condemn their fans, followers and opportunistic mobs who instead resort to abuse, intimidation and threats.
Journalists must be able to work without fear of reprisal. Targeting them for their professional work is unacceptable and must stop immediately.
While extending support to Gafira Qadir, we urge authorities, social media platforms and professional associations to take cognisance of the harassment faced by many journalists and take steps to ensure their safety, both online and offline.
The Network of Women in Media, India
20 September 2025
