The Journalist Federation of Kashmir condemns the assault on journalists while covering Muharram processions in the Srinagar city Tuesday, and demands action against police officials involved, as is clear in the videos and photographs taken on the spot.
The Jammu Kashmir Lieutenant Governor’s administration should immediately take action against the accused police officials, otherwise we understand that today’s incident is a continuation of police tactics against journalists aimed to prevent them from reporting facts on the ground.
The harassment of journalists has become a routine and we urge international press freedom and rights bodies to take cognizance of these incidents, express solidarity and raise the issue on all international platforms.
Press freedom is the cornerstone of a democracy and any attack on it undermines the democratic setup of which the media is the fourth pillar. Any such attack on press freedom and journalism is highly distressful,” The Journalist Federation of Kashmir told in statement.