Press freedom pivotal for a working democracy: Dr Farooq

National Conference president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, on Saturday said that freedom of the human mind is acknowledged in the right to free speech and free press

“A free press is pivotal for any working democracy as itkeeps the citizenry informed and imposes accountability,” Dr Farooq said.

   

He said that National Conference in its “Naya Kashmir”manifesto had underscored the importance of having a free and vibrant press tokeep those run the state of affairs under check and common citizenry informedabout their rights. “No society can think of harvesting the fruits of democracywithout securing its press fraternity all the required freedom and dignity.However it is imperative for the press fraternity to uphold the dignityassociated with the profession at any cost. The struggle by embattledjournalists and press fraternity of Kashmir to fight for the rights of peopleis commendable. I take this opportunity to salute the valor of our journalisticcommunity, who notwithstanding curbs and persecution has been rendering theirduties with dedication. I take this opportunity to pay my tributes to all thosejournalists who lost their lives in the line of duty. On this day we ought toremember Shujaat Bukhari; the jinxed providence of our state robbed us a boldvoice in his shape, I pray for peace to his soul,” he said.

Party president while censuring the incumbent Governor’sadministration for banning government advertisements to some local dailies saidthat such a step will push the journalistic fraternity to wall. “Peopleassociated with press are already underpaid; the bar if it persists will pushthe media houses to cut the salaries of its staff. I urge the incumbentGovernor’s administration to revoke the ban. Meantime, I also urge theadministration to declare PG mass communications as a professional course invarsities including Kashmir University. The government should absorb the mediapass outs in various departments in various media activities be it contentwriting, public relations, photography, event management. The community radioshave revolutionized participatory style of development in various developingcountries; the government should usher in a new era of community radios inKashmir, which will cater to the local information needs of people across thestate, besides that it will help scores of media pass outs earn a respectablelivelihood,” he said.Among others party’s chief spokesperson Aga SyedRuhullah Mehdi, provincial spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar, additional spokespersonSara Hayat Shah also underscored the need of having a free and vibrant press inKashmir. They also urged the Governor’s administration to revoke the ban ongovernment advertisements on various local dailies of Kashmir.

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