Journalists protest against media policy-2020

Srinagar, July 06 (KNS): Journalists from all associations and media houses under a program formulated by JK Media Guild held strong protest demonstration in Srinagar against the J&K Governments newly introduced “anti-Media” media policy 2020. According to statement issued to KNS, Scribes, Photo and video journalists, correspondents, reporters and editors of local newspapers and news agencies joined the protest against draconian policy introduced by the government in June 2020. The protesters were demanding the roll back of this anti media and undemocratic policy which seems to be influenced by the corrupt bureaucrates and babus to safeguard their shaby deals and interests. About a 100 journalists and photo/video journalists exhibited the unity and unanimity to fight this unholy onslaught on the media in J & K. The speakers on the occasion reminded the government of the sacrifices of the kashmir based journalists during the last 3 decades of turmoil in Jammu & Kashmir. The protestors said that we have been the victim of violence and arrogance from the state and non-state actors, but never compromised on the basic ethics of journalism, despite losing several of our colleagues to the bullets from unknown and unidentified people. On this occasion Mr. Rasheed Rahi, Mr. Arshid Mir, Mr Muzafar Khan, Mr Shahid Rasheed spoke to the reporters and highlighted the ugly aspects of the media policy.
Speaking on the occasion, Imtiyaz Ahmad Bazaz, General Secretary of JK Media Guild said,”If this policy is implemented, Journalism in J & K will die a silent death” He said Journalism can’t be allowed to remain subservant to the whims and wishes of the government agencies. He added “We are equally an important pillar of Indian Democracy, let you allow us to work honestly in an open atmosphere to serve the cause of a real democracy”
President JK MEDIA GUILD Mir Ajaz Ahmad while addressing reporters said,” the intentions of the government are clearly indicating an official gag, to prevent us from reporting truth and we will not succumb to this unholy pressure tactics” He added that “If this policy is not rolled back we will fight the aggression at every level and even protest against this policy in Delhi also if need arises” Ajaz said all the media forums and association have exhibited solidarity to fight this policy unitedly.
The protesting media people dispersed peacefully with a resolve to continue the fight till the government rolls this anti-media “Media Policy-2020” back (KNS)

 

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