KJA Demands Action Against Officers For Barring Journalists From Covering R-Day Function

SRINAGAR — Kashmir Journalists Association (KJA) has strongly condemned the government’s “repressive act” of barring journalists from covering Republic Day event in Srinagar’s SK Stadium. 

“There is no justification whatsoever in stopping journalists from doing their legitimate duties. Today’s incident underlines the fragility of press freedom in Jammu and Kashmir and how blatantly the government institutions like police misuses its powers to muzzle the press,” said a statement.

“The incident comes days after journalists were stopped by police to cover newsworthy events in Baramaulla and showering them with pellets in Shopian. Four journalists were injured by pellets in south Kashmir’s Shopian while covering protests there. Yet no responsibility was fixed on the erring personnel for the life-threatening attack,” it added.

“We demand strict action against the police officers responsible for stopping journalists at today’s event and also those responsible for harassing and attacking journalists in past. Else it will be considered as a deliberate policy by the authorities to ensure restrictions/clampdown on the press in the Valley,” the statement said.