Srinagar, May 3 (GNS): Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Sunday on International Press Freedom Day said the true essence of any democratic system is recognized in the shape of right to free speech and free press, saying the day reminds us of the inevitability of having a vibrant and pluralistic press.
While underscoring the centrality of free and fare press in a democratic set up, Party’s Spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said on this day we celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, “It goes without saying how important a role a free press plays in contributing to the knowledge of a common person and in calling the attention of citizen towards the irregularities in the working of government. It also highlights various social issues. It is a day of acknowledging, and appreciating the role of press. I on my behalf and on behalf of my party pay earnest tributes to all those scribes, journos, who lost their lives in the line of duty. The theme of this year’s world press freedom day is: Journalism without fear or favor. It is extremely important for the government to ensure full implementation of the right to freedom of speech as fortified in the constitution, and on the other hand it is no less important for the press fraternity also to renew its commitment to fairness while reporting and providing fact based analysis.”
Extolling the role of Journalistic fraternity in Kashmir, he said that the undue reprisals in one or other form have made it very difficult for the press fraternity in Kashmir to carry out their job in free manner. “People associated with press in Kashmir are least paid and constantly subjected to reappraisals from different quarters. Despite the troubles, they are experiencing; they haven’t lowered their guard in highlighting the woes of people. ”
While calling for immediate revocation of charges against the journalists in Kashmir, he said that it does not behoove a democratic set up to muzzle freedom of speech. He urged the government to revoke the charges leveled against Kashmiri journalists.
While praising the role of press in following the prevailing COVID-19 crises, he said the local media has played a commendable role in updating the people with challenges thrown by the crises at us. He said that the media has done a yeoman’s service by disseminating valid information about the crises, its clinical progression, and providing an antidote to the misinformation on social media. “It has also highlighted the loopholes in the system, the tribulations of the ground staffers and front line workers; I applaud the role played by the local press in helping the society in its battle against the deadly viral sprawl.” (GNS)
