Journalist bodies condemn harassment of Journalists at SMHS hospital

July 24, 2025 by News Desk

Prominent journalist associations from Kashmir have strongly condemned the harassment of journalists by protesting doctors at SMHS Hospital in Srinagar on Wednesday.

According to multiple reports, the journalists were at the hospital to report on the doctors’ strike following an alleged assault on a medical professional. While attempting to cover both sides of the story, reporters were allegedly obstructed, insulted, and in at least one case, physically cornered and forced to leave the premises.

Terming the incident a “direct attack on press freedom,” both JUOK and GPA expressed serious concern over what they described as an “alarming trend of hostility towards media professionals in public spaces.”

“No protest, regardless of its cause, can justify manhandling or threatening journalists who are performing their professional responsibilities,” said G.N. Khanday, President of the Journalist Union of Kulgam.

Echoing similar sentiments, Ganderbal Press Association, President Sofi Ayaz said: “Journalists play a vital role in disseminating information and ensuring accountability. Obstructing them is an attack not just on individuals but on the right of the public to know.”

Both associations have demanded a thorough police investigation into the incident and immediate action against those responsible. They also urged the hospital administration and concerned authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment for journalists performing their duties.

The journalist bodies reaffirmed their solidarity with the media fraternity and said they would not remain silent in the face of rising threats and intimidation.