Demands withdrawal of cases against 3 journalists immediately
Srinagar: Kashmir Journalists Association (KJA) has strongly condemned the harassment of journalists by police and expressed serious concern over the series of FIRs filed against them.
It is a matter of grave concern that journalists are being booked for sharing their work and expressing their opinion on social media. Media acts as a watchdog in a democratic society as professional associated with it highlight different issues concerning people. However, in Kashmir journalists are being intimidated and booked under various charges which discourage them from performing their duties. Such acts go against democratic norms.
The Constitution has already guaranteed freedom of speech and expression to journalists. Unfortunately, it is being curbed by police using pressure tactics as they filed cases against many journalists over the years.
KJA urges the government to stop this harassment against media persons as it is creating a huge gulf especially when we are combating the global pandemic COVID-19.
The journalist body has demanded that cases and charges against senior journalist Peerzada Ashiq, photojournalist Masrat Zahra and senior journalist Gowhar Geelani be withdrawn immediately.
Many incidents of journalists being harassed, summoned and physically attacked have been reported since August 5, 2019. Also, the professional journalist worked for months together amid a frustrating period due to communications blockade.
But, now series of FIRs against them for posting their photos or expressing their opinion is being criminalised. Quelling dissent as spelt out by Supreme Court is not in the interest of society as it is “safety valve of democracy”.
So, KJA urges the authorities that journalists should be allowed to work freely without any harassment.
