[1] He works with Deutsche Welle and also writes for various publications like The Indian Express, TRT World, The Wire, The Caravan, Himal Southasian and NewArab.
Mehraj's arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged terror funding linked to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Kashmir.
The NIA has alleged that JKCCS was involved in funding terrorist activities in the Kashmir Valley and accused the organization of promoting a "secessionist agenda" under the guise of human rights work.
In a Facebook post, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the arrest, stating that in Kashmir, criminals are allowed to roam freely while journalists like Irfan Mehraj, who are simply doing their duty by speaking the truth, are unjustly detained.
The Press Club of India (PCI) also condemned Mehraj's arrest,[15] emphasizing their strong opposition to the imposition of UAPA on media personnel.