JFK urges action beyond promises on press freedom in JK
Srinagar: The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday affirmed his government’s commitment to reviving press freedom in JK.
The Journalist Federation of Kashmir (JFK) terms it a step in the right direction and hopes that the government will remain committed to this promise, the federation said in a statement.
Addressing the assembly, Omar said, “A free, independent, and responsible press is the cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. Our government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding press freedom and ensuring that journalists can operate in a secure and transparent environment.”
However, JFK remains deeply concerned about the continued imprisonment of Kashmiri journalist Irfan Mehraj and strongly advocates for his immediate release.
The detention of an outstanding journalist remains one of the most pressing issues affecting media freedom in Kashmir, the statement said.
Mehraj was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on March 20, 2023, and has since been held in a jail in Delhi. His arrest has been widely condemned by media organisations and human rights groups worldwide, particularly by those committed to upholding democracy and press freedom.
An award-winning journalist and researcher, Mehraj has carried out his professional duties with diligence. His work has appeared in national and international media outlets such as Deutsche Welle (DW), The Caravan, and Himal Magazine. He has also contributed to local news dailies, including Brighter Kashmir and Rising Kashmir.
JFK welcomes the recent court decision quashing the Public Safety Act against another journalist, Majid Hyderi, who had spent around 17 months in jail.
JFK reiterates that for democracy to thrive, a free and vibrant press must flourish alongside it.
Authorities must ensure a conducive environment for journalists, allowing them to report facts on the ground and express their opinions on social media without fear or threat of arrest—something journalists in Anantnag recently faced after reporting on the felling of Chinar trees.
JFK has previously expressed serious concerns over the targeting of journalists in Jammu and Kashmir, viewing it as part of a broader strategy to undermine truth and accountability, particularly within the region’s institutions.
JFK also welcomes the chief minister’s commitment to reviving and supporting press clubs in Srinagar, whose operations have remained suspended since January 2022.
Former Chief Justice of India N V Ramana, while in office, has said, “Journalists are the eyes and ears of the people and…independent journalism is the backbone of democracy.”
The Supreme Court of India in a ruling said, “India’s freedom will rest safe as long as…journalists can speak truth to power without being chilled by a threat of reprisal.”
