[Reader-list] Media protests gag, suspend all publications

[Aditya Raj Baul]

Media protests gag, suspend all publications  	
Organisations allege discriminatory treatment to local scribes

KDNN
http://kashmirdispatch.com/ShowStory.asp?NewsID=1498&CategoryID=29


Srinagar, July 10: To protest the draconian measures of the state
government, various media associations Saturday announced the
suspension of all newspapers published from Srinagar. The decision in
this regard was taken by the five representative bodies of media
fraternity of Kashmir, Kashmir Press Association, Press Guild of
Kashmir, Kashmir Journalists Corps, Kashmir Press Photographers
Association and Kashmir Video Journalists Association during a meeting
in Srinagar, Saturday.

The meeting resolved that publication of newspapers couldn’t be
resumed unless concrete measures are taken to restore complete freedom
of media in Kashmir. The meeting also discussed various issues
confronted by the media persons in the valley.

The meeting condemned the restrictions on media and expressed deep
anguish over the discriminatory approach of the government. They also
condemned the curbs imposed on cable TV networks in Kashmir while
similar networks in other side of the state are allowed to air
whatever they like. The brazen action against the correspondents of a
New Delhi based English news channel also figured in the meeting.

“The government has adopted a discriminatory attitude and not only
facilitated entry of Delhi based journalists but has put all help,
assistance and full government hospitality at their disposal so as to
ensure the coverage of the events, as it deems suitable,” the meeting
observed.

The meeting resolved that until a public assurance is, not only made
but implemented in letter and spirit, that there will be no
restriction on media and cases against media persons wihdrawn, media
persons in Kashmir will not be in a position to do justice to their
profession.

“It has been decided to collectively suspend publication of all
newspapers in Kashmir to protest against the draconian measures,” the
resolution passed in the meeting reads.
Earlier, scores of journalists staged a peaceful sit-in at the Press
Colony, Lal Chowk to condemn the curbs on media by the government.

Carrying placards and banners that read “Stop media gag”,
“Lift curfew on News,” “We protest - we won’t print,” “Stop
intimidation, withdraw police cases against journalists”,
“Revoke unwritten government ban on newspapers”, “Stop government
harassment of media in Kashmir” , the journalists working with local,
national and global organisations protested the media gag.

Senior journalists addressed the gathering and condemned curbs on the media.