Speaking Out Is Crime Under Modi Government, Schools and Media Gripped by Fear: DW News

A recent report by Germany’s international broadcaster, DW News, has shed light on the rising tide of censorship in India, alleging a systematic crackdown on dissent and freedom of expression under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

According to the report, dissent is increasingly being criminalized, with educational institutions and media outlets operating under a climate of fear. DW News claims that the Indian government has targeted free expression in an attempt to conceal the reported failure of Operation Sindoor, a military operation that has sparked controversy.

India’s global standing on press freedom has also declined sharply. DW News notes that the country has fallen to 151st out of 180 nations in the Global Press Freedom Index, raising serious concerns about the health of democracy in the world’s largest democratic nation.

As part of efforts to suppress opposing voices, the Modi government has reportedly blocked over 8,000 social media accounts, signaling an aggressive stance against online dissent.

The report also highlights the closure of The Wire — a prominent independent media outlet — following its coverage of an Indian aircraft crash during Operation Sindoor. DW News states that the outlet had published accurate information regarding the incident, and its shutdown was a retaliatory move designed to silence critical media voices.

In another case cited by DW News, Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a respected Muslim scholar, was arrested over an anti-war post. The report alleges that the government mischaracterized his expression as “communalism” and imprisoned him, drawing further criticism from civil society and academic circles.

Prominent academics interviewed by DW News expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating situation.

“In Modi’s India, only silence is safe. Expressing an opinion is like putting yourself in danger,” said Professor Ajay, a political scientist from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

He emphasized that the environment has become so repressive that people are now afraid to speak openly even in private settings.

Echoing similar concerns, Professor Deepanshu Mohan from OP Jindal Global University accused the Modi government of using national security as a political tool.

“Modi turned Operation Sindoor into a political drama to gain electoral advantage — he transformed national security into a vote bank,” said Professor Mohan.

He further stated that the education system is being weaponized to enforce ideological conformity.

“In today’s India, only those teachers are acceptable who promote Modi’s narrative; others are labeled as ‘anti-national’,” he said.

Professor Mohan also criticized the judiciary for allegedly aligning with the government’s agenda:

“The judiciary now speaks the language of the government. Under the guise of national security, freedom of speech is being curtailed.”

Discussing broader academic freedom, he added:

“Curriculum, teaching, and appointments are now all subservient to Modi’s narrative. Dissenting voices receive no grants, no jobs.”

Concluding his remarks, Professor Mohan warned of increasing authoritarianism:

“The Modi government is using the law as a weapon to silence dissenting voices.”

He emphasized that international attention and pressure remain the last hope for protecting independent journalism and intellectual freedom in India.

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