Srinagar: CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami has opposed registering of FIRs against a freelance female journalist and senior correspondent of “The Hindu” newspaper, saying it is unwarranted act intended to suppress media freedom.
“When an FIR is registered, a lot of caution is needed. The FIRs against the scribes must be immediately withdrawn as one of the merits of a democratic system is the freedom of expression, press and the space that is provided to disagreement by different sections of society,” Tarigami said in a statement issued here.
He said that journalists in Kashmir are already facing huge crisis, especially since last year August. They are working under stressful conditions and such decisions will further hamper their efforts to highlight the ground realities in free and fair manner.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) senior leader and former minister Mohammad Dilawar Mir on Tuesday condemned registration of FIR against a photojournalist Masrat Zehra under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
In a statement issued here, Mir termed the police action as an attempt to muzzle the freedom of expression. “This is not a case in isolation but it reflects a sinister pattern which is not acceptable in a democratic and civilized society,” the JKAP senior leader observed.
He said it is highly unfortunate that even during the prevailing pandemic, journalists in Kashmir are allegedly been called to police stations to present themselves to explain their stories. “I am also told about some cases wherein scribes have been harassed for traveling to report their stories,” Mir remarked, adding that such approach towards journalists is totally unacceptable.
He demanded revocation of cases registered against journalists.
