Connect with us

JAMMU & KASHMIR

Stopping info to media in times of pandemic aimed at stifling freedom of press: KPC | KNO

Condemns the assault on KNO's Kulgam reporter, seeking action against culprits

Published

on

kno news

Srinagar, April 04 (KNO): The Kashmir Press Club has taken serious note of the attempts by authorities to throttle information on coronavirus amid the unprecedented lockdown across the region.  In a statement issued to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), highlighting a recent gag order issued by Director Health Services, Kashmir ordering doctors and paramedics not to share information with media about the ongoing crisis, the management said stopping information flow amid the unprecedented situation is highly condemnable. It said that putting out information during pandemic through authentic print and electronic media is of vital importance as it helps to stop flow of unverified information and rumours. The Kashmir Press Club notes with concern that the order invariably is nothing but a crude attempt at further stifling the freedom of the press in the region. Kashmir media has been playing its role responsibly by highlighting lack of facilities and protective gears for frontline health workers-doctors and paramedics-to ensure gaps are filled in dealing with the virus, which has consumed two lives so far in the region. The KPC expects the concerned government authorities to exchange information related to coronavirus crisis with media and journalists with more vigour as only free and transparent flow of information would facilitate an objective and accurate body of work by the journalists. As per KNO, the Kashmir Press Club also stands in support of the recent statement of Editors Guild of India wherein it has detested the attempts by the government to put a gag on media as far as reporting the Coronavirus crisis is concerned. Reiterating its stand, the KPC said that no democracy anywhere in the world is fighting this pandemic by gagging its media. The KPC also urges the authorities concerned that they should facilitate the movement of journalists and media workers during the lockdown period to allow them unhindered access as the newspapers have already been categories as an essential service by the government. It also condemns a recent incident wherein a reporter in Kulgam Umaisar Gul was thrashed by the security personnel when he was returning from Qazigund hospital in south Kashmir on March 30, 2020.The KPC demands action against the culprits involved in this incident. The KPC would also urge its journalist members and media workers to take extreme precautions while reporting on coronavirus crisis. As per the guidelines already issued by global health bodies and media advocacy groups (links below),the KPC urges the members, particularly the photo and video journalists who visit different places to follow the protocol for their safety and security. The KPC reiterates that media needs to be more responsible in this crisis but it also needs a free and fair environment to report—(KNO)

Trending

TOP STORIES7 hours ago

34-yr-old man found dead in Soura | KNO

TOP STORIES8 hours ago

10 dead after cab plunges into gorge in Ramban, rescue ops continue | KNO

TOP STORIES8 hours ago

10 dead after cab plunges into gorge in Ramban | KNO

TOP STORIES19 hours ago

Refrain from disclosing identity of children in need of care, protection: CWC Sgr | KNO

TOP STORIES19 hours ago

Tragedy Strikes Again: Minor Girl Mauled to Death by Leopard in Budgam Village, 2nd Attack in Past 17 Days | KNO

TOP STORIES19 hours ago

Man jumps into river Jhelum near Zaina Kadal | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

Illegally acquired property of notorious drug peddler attached in Bla: Police | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

ADGP L&O reviews preparedness for upcoming elections | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

HMT Zainakote residents protest against power paucity in Ramadan | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

Missing girl from Chasana, Reasi recovered within 2 days: Police | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

HMT Zainakote residents decry contaminated water supply during Ramadan | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

Budgam residents concerned over deteriorating road conditions | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

Congress leader Harbans Bral joins BJP in Jammu | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

Shopian, Pir Panjal residents demand reopening of Mughal Road for traffic | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

Dry, hollow chinar trees risk lives of students, people in Ganderbal’s Saloora | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

Ten Injured as vehicle plunges into gorge in Poonch | KNO

TOP STORIES21 hours ago

‘Don’t be fooled’: Omar cautions against believing AFSPA repeal promises | KNO

Copyright © 2021