Members of the Press Committee Di Azaadi Bahal Karo Sangharsh Punjab (Committee for the Struggle for Restoration of Press Freedom) address the media in New Delhi on April 27, 2026. Photo: Special Arrangement
Independent journalists from Punjab have alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in the state is systematically targeting votes in the state. At a press conference on Monday (April 27, 2026), members of the Punjab Press Di Azaadi Bahal Karo Sangharsh (Committee to Fight for Restoration of Press Freedom) said the state government is using intimidation, copyright claims and notices under the IT Rules, 2021 to target online critics.
“It’s very dangerous for journalists, for freedom of expression and for an independent press,” said Sahildeep Singh, who runs the Duniya Facebook page with more than 1.2 million followers. “If you speak on behalf of the government, then you are fine,” said Maninderjeet Sidhu, who runs the Lok Awaz TV YouTube channel. “If you do journalism independently, there will be an FIR against you.
Published – 27 April 2026 21:45 IST
