Srinagar, April 20 (KNS): Reacting to the charges against a female photojournalist, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference has called free press a “lifeblood of democracy which must not be silenced.”

A statement issued to KNS reads “Is this the new state of affairs? Things weren’t too good in the old state of affairs either but attempts to silence the media were not as brazenly & shamelessly implemented. Free press is lifeblood of democracy, must not be silenced. We express our solidarity with Masrat Zahra", Peoples Conference said in a statement.

PC General Secretary Imran Reza Ansari also demanded that police must drop the charges against Masrat.
“Case under UA(P)A against a female journalist Masrat Zehra seems to be an over reaction from government and as such should be dropped. Constitutional guarantees can’t be undone", he added (KNS)

PC spokesperson Adnan Ashraf Mir also condemned the invoking of UAPA against Masrat and urged the authorities to drop charges against her.
"Hounding Masrat Zahra and booking her under unlawful activities act is a brazen attempt to thought police. The principles of 'Naya Kashmir' seem to be against the ethos & practices of democracy & free speech. It is condemnable", he added.(KNS)