Date:02/09/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/09/02/stories/2008090260501200.htm

National

Attacks on media freedom in J&K condemned

LAHORE: The South Asian Free Media Association and South Asia Media Commission on Saturday condemned the attacks on media freedom in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Showing solidarity with the Kashmiri media in their difficult days, SAFMA president Lakshman Gunasekara, secretary general Imtiaz Alam and SAMC chairman N. Ram and secretary general Najam Sethi said they were worried at the reports of the media being directly targeted in an intensifying security crackdown in Kashmir.

“Instances like newspapers failing to print for several days because of severe restrictions on journalists’ movement, suspension of cable news channels, injuries to journalists in targeted attacks by the security personnel create an environment of paralysis for the media, where only disinformation and rumour can hold sway,” they said in a statement.

Resenting the assaults on the media, they urged the authorities to ensure media freedom by facilitating functioning of journalists and distribution of newspapers without any restrictions.

“Any attempt to curb the media is against the ethos of democracy. The authorities should take immediate steps to ensure that people in Jammu and Kashmir are not deprived of their fundamental right to access information and freedom of expression.”

They also demanded restoration of news channels on cable networks. “Jammu and Kashmir is being deprived of all information in the absence of local channels and so, their operations should be restored immediately.”

The authorities should also ensure journalists’ safety, SAFMA and SAMC office-bearers said.

They criticised a raid by the Jammu and Kashmir police on the home of The Hindu correspondent in Srinagar.

S. Nihal Singh, SAMC coordinator, in a statement said:

“It is with regret and concern that the SAMC has learnt of the recent developments in Jammu and Kashmir. They concern the search of the residence of The Hindu correspondent in Srinagar, Shujaat Bukhari, and the restrictions placed on reporters’ professional activities and circulation of newspapers. It is true that the state of Jammu and Kashmir is passing through a difficult phase, but the answer in resolving issues does not lie in placing restrictions on media and their practitioners. Rather, such restrictions can only prove to be counter-productive.”