Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Monday deplored the “contemptible attitude” of incumbent Governor’s administration towards journalist fraternity of state particularly Kashmir saying that free press is critical to the working of any democratic set up.
Party’s General Secretary Haji Ali Muhammad Sagar while addressing a gathering of workers and party functionaries here said, “The press and journalistic fraternity of Kashmir are the unsung heroes who notwithstanding the hostile environment are doing their bit to ensure that people are educated and informed,” adding that the various types of mass media plays an important role in the formulation of public opinion on the issues of public importance.”
Sagar said that media is handed with the huge responsibility of guarding the interests of people. “Ensuring a free and fair atmosphere for press and other mass media out fits has been a corner stone of NCs policy. Sher-e-Kashmir believed in the inevitability of press in a democratic setup,” he said.
Sagar said the incident of not allowing scribes to cover the R-Day functions is reflective of the abhorrence that the incumbent governor administration has for press freedom. “Media being a fourth estate in a democratic setup should be given its due respect,” he said adding that the unremitting assaults on press, curbing their activities have become a norm, ever since BJP-PDP government took over the reins of power in the state. “The situation is no different under the governor administration,” he said.
Meanwhile, NC spokesman said that many delegations met general secretary at party head quarters and apprised him about the exigencies that have arisen due the recent incessant rains and snowfall.
Sagar urged the incumbent administration to set in motion its men and machinery to give effective operational response to the post snowfall exigencies.