Srinagar: Global journalist bodies have called for release of Kashmiri journalists and have condemned the intimidation and harassment of journalists in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
International Journalist Union (IJU) demands immediate release of journalists arrested and detained since 8 October and asked Indian authorities to stop arresting and harassing journalists. If the pattern of attack on freedom of press in Kashmir is not resisted this may be extended in other parts of the country.
IJU appeals to all stakeholders of freedom of press and freedom of expression to raise their voice against the onslaught on the journalists in Kashmir. Arbitrary detainments and investigations into media workers are further evidence of the increasing systemic intimidation and harassment of independent media by Indian authorities in Kashmir. These acts are not isolated incidents and are clear attempts to stifle a free press.
Earlier this week, the Budgam District Information Officer (DIO) Tajamul Yousuf had announced the government would ban particular journalists from entering the union minister’s program, alleging they were attempting to tarnish his image by asking ‘irrelevant questions’.
The officer said journalists who are not on the blacklist would be allowed to continue covering official functions.
The district administration, however, has not publicised the journalists’ names on the so-called prohibition list, IFJ wrote in its press release.The IFJ has documented similar censorship in the Kupwara district.
On July 24, the district magistrate of Kupwara issued an order instructing journalists to complete a registration process to be eligible to report from the field. Those journalists who did not complete the registration were barred from reporting.
According to the IFJ’s South Asia Press Freedom Report 2020-21, ‘Truth in a time of Contagion: The Viral Frontline’, Jammu and Kashmir journalists have been increasingly targeted since the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir in the year 2019.
It is pertinent to mention here that Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan has been imprisoned since last three years and various other journalists have faced charges like Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
The IFJ said that “barring journalists from participating in the public function is a serious form of censorship and a violation of constitutionally enshrined freedom of press and expression. The IFJ urges the Budgam administration to remove the restriction and allow all journalists to report freely and independently.” Web Desk
