Media watchdog supports freedom of expression in Kashmir

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir,

Monday, September 28, 2009:

Report: Zafar Iqbal

Media watchdog and humanitarian organization Press For Peace (PFP) has called upon Government of Indian Jammu and Kashmir to ensure protection of local journalists who were victimized by some political activists in Srinagar-the capital of Indian Jammu and Kashmir.

“The recent attack on a Srinagar based editor and disturbance of event of press conference by some activists is direct attack on freedom of press and expression which could not be expected by political workers in any civilized society.”

In a statement issued here Monday ,Director Press For Peace (PFP) Raja Wasim said that every citizen has right to live personal life according to own wishes and plans, however, politicians should expect any kind of criticism from press and public regarding their personal decisions and actions.

He said that the editor, who was beaten up by supporters of a Kashmiri leader for allegedly criticising some Kashmiri politicians, exercised his right of freedom of expression through his point of view which should be honoured by its dissidents.

“Rather than answering in a sober language of argument, the use of force by political workers is an alarming trend which should immediately be noticed by responsible people,” he further said.

He demanded that concerned leaders should take serious action against their workers involved in harassment and molestation of journalists and disruption of the press conference.

“It is responsibility of media to cover every newsworthy event in the society, so political people could not be allowed to stop such activities through repression”.

He maintained that the political elite must teach democratic behaviour to its followers for prevalence of civil liberties. He also condemned the threats to some Kashmiri journalists and demanded that authorities should ensure the safety of journalists.